Quiet greets me as I walk into my garden. In early summer the fragrances there are subtle and fresh?the sweet basil, flowering lavender, and tender shoots of snow peas. In these later months, as summer begins to give way to autumn, the scents are crisper, stronger, earthier. As I brush by, the aromas stir and […]
An Open Letter to Busy Leaders
Dear Leader, How are you? Has anyone asked lately? I?m asking because I really want to know. Are you tired? Are the demands of leadership wearing you down? Do you feel as though everyone needs something from you? I know I?ve felt that way before. I go to the office where I am expected to […]
A Holy Rhythm of Solitude and Ministry
I lead a lot of retreats that include an extended time alone and quiet with God in the schedule. For many, it?s quite a challenge. For others, it?s a welcome opportunity. Sometimes, I think more would come to our retreats if they were scheduled nice and tight with lots of information to learn or techniques […]
Discerning Stillness from Laziness
Thomas Merton, in a letter written in 1959 to Pablo Antonio Caudra (a writer from Nicaragua he had befriended), offered some interesting words about wrestling with the difference between unholy inactivity and holy stillness: ?In any case, let us pray for one another that we may make creative use of the mysterious difficulties of […]
