Lent. The word creates both anticipation and dread in me every time we flip the calendar to a new year. I anticipate it because the congregation I serve participates in its ritual gatherings—Ash Wednesday, midweek Lenten worship, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday—with intention and faith. I choose the themes carefully and enjoy this season with them. We observe the passion of our Lord together and … Continue reading Running on Empty
I have read about “thin places,” where people go to sense God’s presence, places where it does seem God feels more palpable. Places in nature or in old structures where people have felt a deep connection with God somehow. One of those places for me is the railing in the sanctuary. (These are rural, practical folks. Clergy might call it a “table” for the Eucharist, … Continue reading Thin Places, Child Faces
What is it like to be an Iowan in January 2016? It is to be bombarded with messages of aspiring presidential candidates. Terrorism and migration are hot topics this year, but they are only two examples of the complex issues facing our nation and our world. Those seeking the presidency claim to have answers, but we all know that any U.S. president has limited power … Continue reading No Dead Ends
Quick quiz: Who is called “a man after God’s own heart” in the Bible? Paul said it in a sermon in Antioch, on his first missionary journey. (Acts 13:22) He was talking about David. Is there any more beloved figure in the Old Testament than David? Yet David had feet of clay just like everyone else. As so often happens, his strength ended up being … Continue reading The Cure
It was a day filled with meetings, more than usual. Lucky me, I had time to squeeze in visits with couple of my elderly friends. I planned to visit Andrew* in the nursing home first, then go through the connecting door to the assisted living building where his mother lives. Andrew is almost 80 years old and has Alzheimer’s disease. His mother Margaret is 100 years young and … Continue reading Madonna and Child
Luke 1:26-56 She was an ordinary girl. We remind ourselves of it every year at this time. We know nothing about Mary except that she was pledged to be married to Joseph. Later on we get a few hints about her personality, and there is one clue even in the annunciation—the encounter with the angel Gabriel. When he told Mary that God was pleased with … Continue reading Same Song, Next Verse
Photo: A visit with my dear friend, Bibi Sangho, in Mali. It was days away from a much anticipated trip to Mali when I awoke to the news that there was a terrorist attack in Paris, where I had planned to spend three days enjoying time alone wandering the streets of the Marais district. The layover in Paris had to be canceled. Disappointing, but at … Continue reading Favor, and True Wealth
One of the things I have come to realize with age is this: numbers don’t always deliver. If you are trying to lose weight, it can be helpful to count calories or Weight Watchers points to reach a healthy goal. Numbers on the scale give you an idea of your progress. On the other hand, facing the actual size of your heft can mock you … Continue reading The Tally, and Grace
If she shows up at my office door, I don’t have to look at the calendar to know that we are nearing the end of the month. She needs money. I know what she needs it for. She needs cigarette money. I have actually given it to her in the past, initially surprised at my own lowered standards. But she suffers from mental illness, and … Continue reading Coming Up Empty
I chose curiosity. When someone close to me came out, she was anxious about the reaction of her family. My go-to response to all personal revelations is to assure each person that I will always love them, no matter what. I believe this gut reaction was cultivated in me by my parents, who have demonstrated deep and unconditional love for all six of their children, Runaway … Continue reading Curiosity as Faith
saint sinner seeker 