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Seeking the Wisdom of Rest
To receive the rest that restores, one must seek eternity in time; to fix one’s gaze on the Holy One and eternal things. Deep concentration on eternal things brings the greatest restoration to body, mind, and soul. This is the habit, the skill, the wisdom we are called to acquire in Christ. Continue reading
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New Meditations for a New Rhythm
It’s day 1 of my sabbatical and one prayer has already been answered: I’m not utterly exhausted as this season begins. It’s a prayer I’ve shared for a while and I awaken today with gratitude for the good days I’ve shared with my parish this year. I’m tired, but it’s the good version of tired.… Continue reading
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The Artist’s Long Obedience
Note: the following address was given at a retreat for artists and songwriters in Knoxville, TN, in December 2021 In my life as a pastor, I have been saved by the wisdom of my elders. Not saved in the sense of my soul’s reconciliation with God, but saved from predictable foolishness and heartache had I… Continue reading
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Samuel’s Holiness and Finishing with Integrity
Ancient words never cease to surprise how they address modern concerns. Take, for instance, the Old Testament reading from Morning Prayer today in the 2019 Book of Common Prayer. The prophet Samuel testifies with a clean conscience about his conduct as Israel’s spiritual leader throughout his life: “Here I am; testify against me before the… Continue reading
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Reading the Book of Creation: A Beginning
A few days ago I searched online for a new book on baseball, the young season having enchanted my love for the game again this year. I’ve bypassed Roger Angell’s baseball prose much too long, so I placed Game Time: A Baseball Companion in my Amazon cart. Then I had a faint memory—I remember the… Continue reading