Blessed are the meek
In a world were life feels dismaying, and yes, unnerving, emotional armor is tempting, even consoling. I can tell you that my heart gives way to tears, anger, exasperation. And too often, I do not have the words.It is no…
Inner peace matters
“I think my nervous system is starting to fray,” a reader wrote. “Is that weird?”“No,” I replied. “I can tell you that you are not alone.”In today’s paper, conflicts, bombings, and war dominate the headlines. Yes, our world feels fragile.…
Gift of a soft heart
My heart hurts. And feels very soft. Maybe you can relate?It is as if the nervous system of our country continues to fray.And this I do know: We live in a world where we are primed to see a soft…
We need stories to stay alive
A businessman walks the airport concourse, on his way to baggage claim. His flight is late in arriving, and his mood is melancholy. This is the end of a long business trip; his energy spent and his emotions raw. If…
A place that heals you
A place that heals you, and a place that inspires you. These are the two places we need to go often. And I’m grateful for your notes and encouragement, as I’m preparing to revisit healing and inspiring places from my…
From our head to our heart
At the turn of the century, Ted Shawn, a young seminarian called to the ministry, was stricken with polio. Somewhere deep inside, he heard another, although very unlikely voice, calling him to dance.So. That's what Ted Shawn did. With great…
Let us be this alive
“It is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in this broken world.” Thank you, Mary Oliver.A funny thing happened on my way to writing Sabbath Moment this week. A heartwarming detour, enamored on an enriching…
May love guide our steps
On my walk this morning, the geese are huddled, no doubt wishing they had headed south for the winter.“I get it,” I tell them.And since the geese weren’t in a hurry to scurry off, I decided a brief homily wouldn’t…
It is better to light a candle
“It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” Thank you, Eleanor Roosevelt.Please count me in. I’m definitely in favor.And yet, I do wonder how (and even if) it is possible—to spill light, or to make a difference,…
What makes my heart sing?
In the beginning, God didn’t make just one or two people; he made a whole bunch of us. “Because” he said, “you can’t really have a lot of fun—taking delight and savoring life—unless there’s a whole bunch of you.”And he…