Lord, teach me. . . .

  Once you’re halfway home, you know that you can probably get the rest of the way there. –Janis Ian   One of the most difficult things we must learn to do as we grow older is compromise. And one of the most challenging parts of growing in faith can be learning not only to listen—and really hear —but also to be willing to pursue a meaningful, mature dialogue with those whose beliefs differ from our own. Whether the topic is religion or reproductive choice, fracking or fiscal policy, it can be tempting simply to say, “Agree to disagree” and walk away unchanged (and certain we are right). Don’t do it. If you truly desire a deeper relationship with another, take a deep breath and advance the conversation in love. Here are some things you can do to respect one another while stretching yourself: ·         Ask questions—and really listen to the answers. ·         Be patient. Don’t form opinions too quickly. ·       ...

  The beauty and preciousness of life is intimately linked with its fragility and mortality. We can experience that every day—when we take a flower in our hands, when we see a butterfly dance in the air, when we caress a little baby. Fragility and giftedness are both there, and our joy is connected with both." –Henri J. M. Nouwen   In my part of the world, autumn is upon us. The green leaves of summer are turning to brilliant shades of red, yellow and orange. Squirrels are busy, busy, busy gathering nuts and lining their nests for the chilly months ahead. I my closet, the t-shirts once more give way to sweaters. I love this time of year, even as it serves as a harbinger of winter, a reminder that all good things must come to an end. But guess what? In the circle of Life, in God’s perfect time and season, winter will once more give way to spring. A new cycle of rebirth will return, reminding us that every single season brings its own beauty and mystery. Every. ...

  O ur sense of worth, of well-being, even our sanity depends on our remembering. But alas, our sense of worth, our well-being, our sanity also depend on our forgetting. –Joyce Appleby   When my children were little, we watched Sesame Street together. One of my favorite Muppet neighbors was a cowboy named Forgetful Jones. Forgetful Jones was likable enough, always pleasant and polite. The problem as, he couldn’t remember anything ! People were always having to help him remember even simple things. But because they loved him, they did so with patient grace. Some days, I do that pretty well. Some days, when I am talking with someone who has memory issues, I can take a deep breath and repeat myself as many times as necessary and get through the conversation with a smile. Other days . . . my mother would suggest that I forgot to take my patience pill at breakfast. And she would be right. I might be impatient, or even downright mean if I am not careful. And—I often end u...

  Too often we say things like “I’ll get to it” and “tomorrow.” One day there is no tomorrow. –Alex Sheen   There is a wonderful non-profit organization based in northeast Ohio, called, Because I said I would . Sparked by the death of his father in 2012, Alex Sheen reflected on the promises we keep—and the ones we don’t. To paraphrase Alex: we are defined by our promises and our choices. At the heart of Because I Said I would is accountability. Anyone anywhere can request, at no charge, “promise cards” on which to write a specific promise they feel moved to make and keep. Promises have included complimenting someone every day; knitting “chemo caps,” putting away the smartphone during dinner. The person making the promise then gives the card to the person who may be the reason the promise is being made. The recipient then becomes an accountability partner and encourager along the way. So far, Because I Said I would has given out over 2.3 million promise cards across the...

  Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others. –Rosa Parks   Lately, there’s been a man hanging out in a community I drive through on my way to the church. He has four BIG plywood signs, hand-painted, that he props at each corner of a busy intersection. As the light changes from red to green, he crosses back and forth, giving people thumbs up. His message is short:   Trust Jesus.   But every time I see a sign like this, I wonder. How many people have pulled over to talk, and made that heart-changing choice? What would this man do if they did? I wonder.  For me, if I see a billboard advertising something, I want to know more before I decide. I want to call, or go to a website, or look for the product in the store. I guess everyone is just supposed to know , and trust what’s being offered here, no questions asked. But I have a question. In today’s crazy, angry world where Christians argue and bicker with one an...