Our Inner Migration
Every year in mid-August I notice a repeated pattern in nature—the hummingbirds that flitted in and out to drink from the feeder during summer begin to devour the syrup. They sit on the ledge, sipping, sipping, sipping, growing fatter every day until they double in size. [...]
Adjusting Expectations
Shortly before departing for my annual week of retreat, I met with my spiritual director to prepare for the coming days. During our conference, she advised, “Meet God where God wants to be met, not where you plan for it.” That message embedded itself in my mind [...]
Vessels of Love
This week I received the happy news from the publisher at Orbis Books that my new book, Vessels of Love: Prayers and Poems for the Later Years, is on its way into the public sphere. I’m elated that it’s being released earlier than expected. […]
Summer’s Generosity
Oh summer is such a generous thing. The above line from Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer’s poem “In Crepuscular Light” caught my attention but first I had to satisfy my curiosity about the word “crepuscular.” It isn’t something on the tip of my tongue every day. […]
Meaningful Connections
Every once in a while I find all sorts of connections in my daily readings and spiritually-oriented resources. This happened shortly before Pentecost which is my favorite church feast, one that celebrates the gift of divine guidance. […]
Learning from a MudPuddle
Enough rain fell on our drought-stricken land in early spring to relieve a bit of the parched soil. Where I walk in the woods water actually stood in small pools, something I’d not seen in a long time. One cloudy afternoon I turned a bend on the [...]
The Rapture of Being Alive
The word “membrane” popped into my brain one morning and refused to leave. So I paid attention. I learned that a membrane is “a thin, soft, pliable sheet” surrounding the cells in our body and in many other things, as well. Membranes provide a separation, protect what they surround, [...]
Radical Optimism
More often than not, I want to avoid national and global news these days. Awareness of how wretchedly humans treat one another often leads to shoving out hope, leaving a limp prospect of altering unjust and harsh situations. I’m not alone in this increasing discouragement. But then, along [...]
Awe and Wonder
Since my youth, I’ve been inspired by people whose goodness touches the lives of people who have little in the way of essential affection, financial security, or the basic needs of existence. Something about the generous way these persons go about being kind and showing concern, without [...]
Let Peace Fill Our Hearts
On January 29, 2023 I wrote in my journal: “Dare I believe in peace for a world caught in the snares of domination, greed, and disregard for human life? Dare I believe in big-hearted love, self-giving service, and a setting aside of conflict, hatred and hurtful indifference? [...]