Light one candle
In junior high and high school, we had a well-known bully. And he followed the script, carrying himself like the world revolved around him.He did attend most of his classes, and when not in class, walked the hallways with an…
Daily Dose (December 9 – 12)
TUESDAY DECEMBER 9 -- Some days, I really need my buddies, Frog and Toad.This story is called Alone, from Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad are Friends. Pull up a chair, it’s Storytime.Toad went to Frog’s house. He found a note…
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…
Daily Dose (December 2 – 5)
TUESDAY DECEMBER 2 -- “Do you have any idea who I am?” The man, a passenger, apoplectic with flushed cheeks, pounding the counter, shouting at the airline agent. Everyone in the departure lounge can hear, and is on edge. (Although,…
The gift of making space
Even if you have made other plans for your day or week, jet lag from an overseas flight does a number, and your body tells you to “chill out”. As in, the list you made, can wait.Which is perfect advice…
Daily Dose (November 25 – 28)
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 25 -- A young seminary student (studying to become a Rabbi) found himself distraught, and sought the advice of his mentor."Rabbi," he said, "I try to pray and study. I give it my full attention. But I feel…
The healing gift of Grace
Two men visiting Hong Kong, noticed the ubiquity of street vendors, all pushing their carts along, pell-mell, in and out of traffic. Attempting to gain the attention of any potential customer, the vendors would shout repeatedly, "Sale! Sale! Good items…
Daily Dose (November 18 – 21)
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 18 -- “Sanctuary is wherever I find safe space to regain my bearings,reclaim my soul,heal my wounds,and return to the world as a wounded healer.It’s not merely about finding shelter from the storm: it’s about spiritual survival. Today,…
Regain my bearings
Weather continues to be the story line here in Portugal.Storm Claudia, combined with tornadoes, battered parts of the country—south of where we are—with substantial rain and strong winds, triggering landslides and flooding and significant damage, including loss of life.The storm…
Daily Dose (November 11 – 14)
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11 -- Walking the Camino de Santiago gratefully evokes one of my very favorite stories. The first-grade class was given an assignment; to name the seven wonders of the world. Each student compiles a list, and shares their…