What makes a good neighbor? The English word “neighbor” has its origins in Old English meaning near-dweller. It was proximity that defined the neighbor. My first thoughts go to folks adjacent to me. After that initial thought, however, I realize there are bigger implications to the word. The world is getting smaller What defines distance … Continue reading More than Proximity
What could you try for the first time? There is a fascination in this life with “new things.” What could I try for the first time? The answers are wide ranging as there are many things I have not tried. I find myself wondering aloud- here in writing- what my next new thing could be? … Continue reading Everything Old Is New Again
periodically I come across quotes I find particularly moving. Today was such a day and here it is. Enjoy! Every single creature is full of God and is a book about God. Every creature is a word of God. If I spend enough time with the tiniest creature, even a caterpillar, I would never have … Continue reading The Gift in All Creatures
What principles define how you live? Living intentionally invites me to be clear about my values. Those values as they are shape my life; these values determine my choices and daily interactions. I regularly state my values usually writing them in my journal to see how they “sit” with me; then I examine my life … Continue reading An Examined Life
What have you been putting off doing? Why? My traditional pattern for living has been to put off everything until the last minute. That way, there is a reason when it is not perfect. The longer and harder I work on a project and the more invested in the outcome I am, the more I … Continue reading Recovering Perfectionist
When was the first time you really felt like a grown up (if ever)? What is a grown-up anyway? There have been a number of moments in life when I imagined I was finally grown up. I was certain when I hit some self-created marker that this was adulthood. For an instant in my mind, … Continue reading The Growing-Up Project
If you had a million dollars to give away, who would you give it to? What organizations will get my money? The question is best answered with another question: What organization or cause inspires me? If I have money, not imaginary extra money to give away, I can be inspired to part with it. There … Continue reading Inspire Me!
What's something you would attempt if you were guaranteed not to fail. Failure is a part of living. Almost anything we try has the potential to disappoint us and others. Failure is the great teacher. Failure teaches the lessons that success almost never does. The lessons that failure teaches me remain with me more intensely … Continue reading My Teacher, Failure
What was the hardest personal goal you've set for yourself? The pandemic changed many of my personal habits. I worked more and more from home and spent more of time reading, writing, and meeting online. Prior to the arrival of the pandemic and its resultant shutdowns, I walked daily 3-5 miles. During the pandemic, I … Continue reading Bringing My Body Back Online
Who are your favorite artists? One of my graduate school requirements was to take an art class (yes, in seminary!). In the first class, I remember vividly the professor, herself an artist, said to us: Everyone is an artist. Then she looked carefully around the room, meeting each set of eyes, saying, “Yes, you are … Continue reading Everyone An Artist
