Do you feel like a wanderer? Like someone who is journeying into the unknown--even though that unknown is interior and deep and not really far from home? You're not alone. I think that we might be pilgrims at heart. And it's not just you and me. Others have traveled this road before us and remind … Continue reading For the Pilgrim in the Fog
"The self has become anxious for what the next instant might bring. This greed for destination obliterates the journey." --John O'Donohue "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." ~ Ferris Bueller Does hurry infect your life like it does mine? Hurry is hard … Continue reading Dare to Be Slow
"In the spiritual life, the word 'discipline' means 'the effort to create some space in which God can act.' Discipline means to prevent everything in your life from being filled up." --Henri Nouwen "So what is your dream job?" Before my inner-censor kicked in, I blurted out: "I would like to work at a monastery for half the … Continue reading How to Clear Space
I used to desperately try to live for God. And for most of my grown-up life, I felt like I was letting God down. When you grow up Baptist with a strong earnest streak and a deep spiritual hunger, you cannot help but try to live your life for God. You will read books, hear … Continue reading What if There’s Something Much Better than Living for God?
"It is a lie--any talk of God that does not comfort you... How long will grown men and women in this world keep drawing in their coloring books an image of God that makes them sad?" - current translation of Meister Eckhart How do we heal from toxic images of God? How do we move … Continue reading How Do We Heal from Toxic Images of God?
“Our idea of God tells us more about ourselves than about Him.” ― Thomas Merton "Oh, how easy it is to clutter up the path of the Holy Spirit with my images and preconceptions of God!" ―Edwina Gately Our ideas about God matter. I've always thought so. But I used to think that it … Continue reading Why Our Ideas About God Matter
“Just Do It” is a great slogan when it comes to Nike shoes and things like: “Get off the couch and move!” “Floss your teeth!” “Eat your vegetables!” Or: “Sit down and write!” But there are times when “Just Do It” doesn’t work and when trying harder only leaves me feeling depleted and frustrated. Motivation, … Continue reading For When “Just Do It” Doesn’t Work
This poem was my invitation. An invitation to listen. To participate. To dance and play with something much bigger than myself. I firmly believe that this invitation is extended to everybody.
The kids needed a break about three miles into our family bike adventure. We found a resting spot off of the trail and climbed off of our bikes. We were chatting and drinking water when I noticed that the trail was empty in both directions. We were miles from any roads. "Hey, People. Stop talking. … Continue reading The Search for a Quiet Life
Something has been off between me and a person I love. I don't know that the feeling is mutual. It could be all me. But sometimes I feel my heart hardening, and I don't know why. The other day, I sat down to spend some time in quiet. Unease toward this loved one surfaced. "What … Continue reading Changing the Rhythm of Seeing Another
Jessica Sanborn 