On a recent solo, I found myself standing in the middle of a creek under a sycamore tree that had begun to shed its leaves. I was simply watching each leaf as it detached from the branch and floated gently to the water. As it landed on the water, I was struck that it did […]
The Complexity of Simplicity
One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary […]
The Shadow of the Almighty
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 I was hiking in Yosemite in late winter, inching my way up to the top of the majestic Yosemite Falls. It had snowed the day before and little white nests of crystallized snow rested in […]
Learning to Trust
I have been reading along, following Jesus in His journey to the cross (Week 3 in the Ignatian Exercises) this Lenten season. This morning I was reading about when Jesus was arrested. Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest Me? Why didn’t […]
Becoming Present
I was hiking in one of my favorite places on earth, surrounded by looming granite walls, giant towering redwoods, plush emerald-green, moss-covered boulders the size of a house, and spongy forest floor padded with pine needles as long as my forearm, but I realized my mind was somewhere else and I was missing this magical […]
Gentle Gaze of an Artist
I sit in silence. Externally still, at peace – a poor reflection of my internal world. My head spins, overthinking, riddled with anxiety, full of unanswered questions. Processing this complex life and all the facets of my current circumstances. I find in myself a desire to understand, to wrap my mind around these questions I’m […]
Labyrinth of Intimidation and Delight
Editor’s Note: Recently, The Leadership Institute held a Stakeholders retreat at the beautiful Allegretto Vineyard Resort in Paso Robles, CA, which is where the labyrinth Jan mentions is located. We hope you enjoy Jan’s reflection on her experience of richly connecting with God while at this retreat. If you would like to personally experience a labyrinth in a more virtual way and read a brief description of what a labyrinth is, you can click here to find out more. When I heard there was a labyrinth onsite, I was immediately intrigued. Where am I? What hotel has a labyrinth?! I’m obviously in […]
