A Grain of Salt

A Story Changes Everything

Published March 6, 2023

On a trip with my family to DC, we decided to stop by the National Arboretum to take in the Bonsai exhibition. It was a cloudy, rainy grey day, so I was not inclined to walk outside for long stretches. We had to weave around to figure out where the bonsai were located. Early indications were this was a nice outing, but the displays were few and far between. If you are unfamiliar, bonsai is the…

Turn Toward

Published January 23, 2023

During a recent ICC (www.iccinc.org) retreat, I sat with a group of students considering our internship opportunity. As is my habit, I asked them what some highlights of their day were. One young fellow excitedly replied, “the clapping contest!” I immediately knew what he was referring to. Earlier in the evening, adult leaders enjoyed a special dinner and program in the upstairs alcove of our retreat center. The second floor was open to the dining…

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Launch and Learn

Published January 2, 2023

Three big ideas pressed into my life and learning in 2022. Who not how helps resolve my challenges. God is present and available to every one of us. Caring means listening presence. Here are some questions I am asking myself: What significant learning grew you in 2022? How do you hope to begin in 2023? I am committed to helping others grow personally and professionally, and I invite you to begin 2023 with me. If…

Advent Wanderings

Published December 5, 2022

Happy Second week of Advent. I recognize the intense pressure of time many of us feel in this season, so I am sharing snippets of the few ideas I am trying to move through slowly. Reading, sitting, watching, waiting, and listening on repeat. You could sit with one of the quotes, images or practices for five minutes. Links are provided below. Take a break, take it in, and breathe out. Praise to the Lord the…

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I hate to wait

Published November 28, 2022

How about you? You too? No wonder concepts like rest, the Sabbath, and even something on the liturgical calendar like Advent barely gets our attention. I mean, really, who has the time? I will keep this short because, in this season of preparation, you likely feel the pressure of the lack of time. Consider this idea from Wayne Muller. If we do not allow for a rhythm of rest in our overly busy lives, illness…

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Meta Maxine

Published October 31, 2022

My mother did not like her name. She went by Maxine, never Meta. I only realized how much she did not like it once I floated the idea of naming one of my children Maxine. My mom told me she’d disown me if I did. She never talked like that, so I took her at her word, which I always did because mom was plainspoken and truly said what she meant. I had my own…