Sep 17, 2021 | vocation, wholeness
What do people gain from all the toil at which they toil under the sun? A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. – Ecclesiastes 1:3-4 (NRSV) If the writer was discouraged about the purpose of toil in ancient times, how much more...
Jul 16, 2021 | discipleship, Spirit, vocation
Another sign, O Spirit, please — another sign. You have poured the oil for a healing sign, and it is good. You have struck up music for a joyous sign, and it is good. You have gathered warriors for an encouraging sign, and it is good. I have felt the soft oil,...
Sep 3, 2020 | confession, mental health, prayer, vocation
Here I am: lost in the wilderness, chasing sheep and rabbit holes, out of touch with my own spirit and being, but here I am — wherever “here” is. Here I am: unsettled and uncertain, overwhelmed by grief and setback, desperate for meaning from burning...
Mar 15, 2017 | confession, grace, Lent, love, prayer, vocation
What example shall I be, O LORD, for the blessing of your name? If an example of grace, I might be tempted to idolize and (try to) enact a perfect persona. If an example of faith, I might fold doubt beneath my coat or tuck it into my pockets like cold hands in winter,...
Dec 7, 2016 | Advent, images of God, mystery, nature, prayer, vocation
No amount of straining or swimming, of longing or praying can free me from the currents of life that I think myself so adept in navigating. For the stream runs on without a care and the storms come (inevitably, invariably) to show off their lack of care and deference....
Mar 23, 2016 | discipleship, Lent, prayer, vocation
I would pray, “God, save me!” Help me pray, “God, be glorified.” I would pray, “Christ, comfort me!” Help me pray, “Christ, hear my sister.” I would pray, “Spirit, teach me!” Help me pray, “Spirit, send...
