Humility
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To See with the Eyes of the Divine
In an often-quoted passage from the writings of Thomas Merton, he relates the following epiphany, experienced while standing on a street corner in Louisville, Kentucky: "I was suddenly overwhelmed with the realization that I loved all those people, that they… Continue reading
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There Are No Grown-Ups
It took me until some time in my 40s to finally realize this: There really are no grown-ups. As a kid, of course, you think your parents are grown-ups (at least, if you've been raised in a normal, marginally functional… Continue reading
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The Next Framework
We each fit what we observe and experience into the framework that currently holds it together for us, until we're ready to have that framework shaken to the ground and the next one take its place. What I hope for myself… Continue reading
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The Stillness of Snow
He's lost, staring out at the snow falling, falling, silently falling. He's focused on the street light mid-block, its milk-white globe glowing larger than real, reaching into the surrounding snowfall to create a moon of umbrated light. The snow can… Continue reading
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Don’t Believe Everything You Think
That sounds simple and obvious, but it can be life-changing if you embrace it. Don't believe everything you think. Your thoughts are just that–your thoughts. They're not particularly connected with reality. You can acknowledge the thoughts, let them pass and… Continue reading
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If Only…
If I could just hold all insights in concsciousness. If all those "aha" moments–when vision becomes clear and a few more pieces fall into place and I stand breathless on the brink of the divine–would stay with me. If only…… Continue reading
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Willy’s Revenge
(Note: If you haven't read yesterday's blog, I encourage you to do so now, because this is a sequel.) About a month after Willy's credenza adventure (or my successfully passing the "credenza test"), before heading to the bathroom to get ready… Continue reading
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All Anger Comes from Fear
A long time ago, someone I trust and love said to me "All anger comes from fear." That made me angry. Or rather, my response to what she said was to feel angry and defensive: "But my anger is justified.… Continue reading
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For My Books
The spine of the book must be brokento be open to be usefulto be full. Preserved, pristine,shelved, admired,untouched, unsoiled,this is embarrassement.These are the volumes pointless and sad. Bent edges, torn pages, brown stains, stuck leaves–all this is yes.I've done something,… Continue reading
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I Forgive You
"I forgive you. I forgive you. I forgive you." In his book, The Shack, William Paul Young says that repeating this phrase helps embody it, and saying it hundreds of times the first day…and the second day…and the third…eventually brings… Continue reading