During this festive season, I had the pleasure of immersing myself not in my own creativity, but in the artistry of others. The fourth day of Christmas took me on a journey through a local artists' collective and gallery, where a spectrum of artistic expressions came alive. The gallery showcased an impressive array of mediums … Continue reading On the Fourth Day of Christmas: Embracing Creativity
As the third day of Christmas unfolded, a gift from my True Love emerged: the essence of renewal. This week, I've paused my usual work routine, anticipating a return on Sunday. It's a curious observation of mine that several days into a vacation, one truly begins to experience the profound sense of relaxation and detachment … Continue reading On the Third Day of Christmas: Embracing Renewal
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: a startlement. Sometimes, the unexpected graces our lives, especially when we cling to preconceived notions about forthcoming events. My wife, Linda, found an opportunity for five of us to attend a one-man performance of 'A Christmas Carol.' Having experienced around five film adaptations … Continue reading Second Day of Christmas: Awe
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gifted me something priceless: rest. Amidst the beauty of the day, I savored the luxury of extra sleep. The day's leisurely pace was a welcome change; we were unbound by pressing commitments or stringent plans. Each moment unfolded naturally, free from the usual rush. In our … Continue reading On the First Day of Christmas: Embracing Rest
Against the grey of a cloudy day,Where shadows dance and drift away,Beside the twisted limbs of the huckleberry tree,Rough in bark, wild and free. There, in stark and vibrant red,A cardinal perched, its majesty spread.Its feathers a flame against the somber hue,A burst of life in the morning dew. I sat enamored, silent, in awe,In … Continue reading A Moment in Crimson
Last night, a pivotal moment occurred: the Northern Hemisphere experienced its maximum tilt away from the sun. This celestial event marked the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Now, as the Earth continues its orbit, we embark on a journey back towards longer days. Today, though subtly, is incrementally longer than yesterday. This … Continue reading Subtly, the Light Grows
In the northern hemisphere, we’re approaching the shortest day and the longest night of the year. This shift, a result of the Earth’s axial tilt, isn’t just a celestial event; it’s a poignant reminder of life’s cycles. As daylight wanes and shadows stretch, we often find ourselves contemplating losses, mirroring the diminishing light. Darkness, for … Continue reading Embracing the Darkness: Lessons from the Shortest Days
The word ‘advent’ signifies a coming or an arrival. Often, when we consider the church season of Advent, we focus solely on the aspect of anticipation. However, this perspective overlooks the profound reality of what has already transpired, what already exists. We are immersed in the Christic Presence. All that is required is for us … Continue reading Advent: Embracing the Arrival
In the iconic sword duel from the movie “The Princess Bride,” Inigo Montoya battles a masked man, admiring his swordsmanship and acrobatics. When Inigo presses for the man’s identity, he’s met with the response, “Get used to disappointment.” This line has resonated with me deeply. Disappointment is essentially the failure of our hopes or expectations … Continue reading Get Used to Disappointment
This morning, I awoke to a stark realization: one of my most significant challenges is a desperate quest for control—control over my life and aspects of the larger world that, in my mind, I could manage better than those currently at the helm. Even when I whisper to myself, “I surrender,” there’s a paradox at … Continue reading Desperately Seeking Control
Infinitely Precious 