How about you? You too? No wonder concepts like rest, the Sabbath, and even something on the liturgical calendar like Advent barely gets our attention. I mean, really, who has the time? I will keep this short because, in this season of preparation, you likely feel the pressure of the lack of time. Consider this idea from Wayne Muller. If we do not allow for a rhythm of rest in our overly busy lives, illness…
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On our recent family vacation to Williamsburg, we decide to splurge and reserve a table at the famous Kings Arms Tavern. This authentic18th-century tavern came equipped with a waiter with personality. Imagine. His name was George. George was vivacious and talkative. He was selling his wares and pitching his provisions. For our first course, we ordered the peanut soupe. George helpfully guided us that one would suffice the table for the experience. When my son…
Leave a CommentWhen I was young, I didn’t give much thought to marriage. I set my eyes on school and the Navy. While stationed in Rhode Island, I found a friend willing to risk deeper conversations with me. I recall one conversation with my friend, Tina, that served as a guiding, grace-filled word to my unfolding future. She asked me what I wanted in a husband. I thought about it and quickly answered. At the time, I…
5 CommentsDuring February, I was on sabbatical from the work I do with the Institute for Cultural Communicators. Last year, I dipped my toe into a silent retreat practice with a 24-hour retreat and wanted to do an extended version this year. I traveled to a retreat center in Massachusetts to experience a five-day silent retreat. In my church and ministry circles, the idea of a silent retreat seems little discussed. I remember one dear friend…
6 CommentsI struggle to listen. I have spent years reading, teaching, and practicing active listening, but I still struggle. Some friends would claim I am a good listener, but I know my inner struggle to attend and listen. This struggle showed up powerfully on a recent visit to my 91-year-old mother. My mom, Maxine, is declining. She no longer can link my name to her memory, but when I walk in the room with my husband,…
1 CommentHere is my uncomfortable truth. I prefer wandering over following. There is nothing wrong with wandering except when I believe my indiscriminate movement conveys meaning and my restless activity purpose. I know this is not true. Even with “important” goals, a tightly packed calendar can still be filled with the most meaningless activities. What makes my wandering so distressing is that I realize this as an unconscious delay to the uncomfortable pause that thinking and…
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