I write (and talk) a lot about embracing beauty in the ordinary. The sacrament of the present moment. But some days, I feel undone by life's unsightliness. The cracks, fault lines and intense suffering takes a toll.I reread Donald Hall's…
Some years ago, a homesick dog made news headlines in Seattle. He negotiated traffic, eluded Washington State Police, and crossed a bridge. (Yes, it sounds like a Far Side Cartoon.) But this was not just any bridge.Zeb, an Australian shepherd,…
I sat down today to write Sabbath Moment. But a blank paper continued to stare back. That’s never fun. So, I picked up the newspaper, and read this headline, “How to Stay Sane in Brutalizing Times,” by David Brooks.I picked…
It has been another week where the news makes us wonder if there are any answers... accompanied by feeling powerless, deeply emotional, horrified, angry, and scared.I am grateful for your emails. One asked, “You talk about spiritual hydration. But how…
Some days the headlines are just too big to put our emotional arms (and heart) around. And when it happens, my heart is heavy. And sadly, I do my best to ignore it, and close my eyes, to my detriment.So.…
In his book, Life of the Beloved, Henri Nouwen tells the story of Janet, “one of my friends who is quite handicapped but a wonderful, wonderful lady.”She said to me, “Henri, can you bless me?”I remember walking up to her…
Ben Comen holds the record as the slowest cross-country runner in the United States of America. On a typical 3.1 mile race, he takes over 40 minutes to complete the race. The best runners are easily under 20 minutes. There…
Physician Richard Selzer describes a scene in a hospital room after he had performed surgery on a young woman's face: I stand by the bed where the young woman lies, her face, postoperative; her mouth twisted in palsy, clownish. A…
I’m an unabashed Mr. Rogers fan. Because Mr. Rogers is church to me. His opening hymn, “Won’t you be my neighbor?” brings smiles and evokes memories from years long ago. His vestments, a sweater and tennis shoes.“Sometimes we have to…
