Blog
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Autumn’s Thin Places
Why does it seem that every new autumn is shorter than the last? The distance between summer’s end and the advent of winter narrows as one ages. It’s a difficult reality because for many, myself included, autumn is their favorite season of the year. The first stretch of chilly nights brings relief from the summer… Continue reading
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Faithfulness Means Waiting and Staying Put
In my final year of seminary, I served as a pastoral intern at a wonderful nonprofit organization called Greensboro Urban Ministry. Every Monday and Wednesday I would drive from Durham to Greensboro to serve as a student chaplain for homeless individuals and low-income families. My job description was brief and straightforward: lead a chapel service… Continue reading
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Thank God For Distractions In Prayer
In my life, retreats have been important to break away from the busyness and noise of my suburban world. But taking a full weekend away is difficult to schedule, which means that I have to find places of retreat near my house. Having learned the need for solitude in my life, I’ve assembled a mental… Continue reading
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On Distracted Dads, Waiting, and Becoming an Attentive Father
With coffee at my side and laptop open, I sat in my armchair easing into a relaxing morning, not noticing how long Netflix Kids had been playing in the background. But after a while, my 2-year old son had grown tired of whatever cartoon was playing and asked me to come play in the next… Continue reading
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Receiving Grace: A Father’s First Calling
What is the first calling in a father’s life? What is the most difficult calling in a father’s life? I don’t presume a definitive, authoritative answer here, so instead I’ll offer a personal response based on my experience. My answer is the same for both questions- receiving grace. Before I can love my wife after… Continue reading