I’ve spent the last four full days fasting from traditional social media use. Previously, my longest social media fast in the last decade lasted around 48 hours. For context, I was among the first groups of individuals who adopted Facebook back in 2004 (back when it was www.thefacebook.com, and you had to have an .edu email … [Read more…]
Wednesday is a hallowed day of the week for me. As a youth director, Wednesdays are work nights, more or less, since the main youth program I help orchestrate meets on this day during the school year. But while I’m “on the clock,” it doesn’t always feel like work. I look forward to my time … [Read more…]
“A rolling stone gathers no moss,” he said. I looked at my high school guidance counselor like he was crazy. “That’s the quote you want in the newspaper?” I asked. “What does that even mean?” My counselor tried explaining it to my uncultured and inexperienced high school brain. I didn’t get it then, even though … [Read more…]
I write all the time. From text messages and social media posts, to theological musings, words are part of my life.
Everyone is ga-ga over Mister Rogers and his peaceful, kind, loving Neighborhood right now. As an adult, after watching the documentary, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, I’m totally sold on Mr. Rogers’ message and method. What an amazing and important human being. As a 6-year-old, with only six channels to choose from in the Missouri … [Read more…]
I reconnected with a few old friends a few weeks ago. They came to me as a I transitioned out of marriage and into the single life, and even before I began my seminary journey. They took car rides with me, sang me lullabies, and even showered with me. Ray LaMontagne. Jess Glynne. Andy Grammer. … [Read more…]
The smoke was the first thing I noticed when I entered the dining room. The haze hung around the room like a 1990s coffee shop — only the smoke wasn’t from nicotine-addicted patrons, but from the barbecue pit. The room was small; two oak dining tables filled the space, surrounded by two racks full of … [Read more…]
It’s no secret that I meet myself coming and going these days. I’m on the road, on the run, and always on the way. In fact, my neighbor calls me “Beep beep” because I’m in and out so much. But because I’m hither and thither, I’ve had to develop ways to stay organized, keep my … [Read more…]
A professor in one of my classes asked an open-ended question a few weeks ago, and my hand shot right up for my chance to contribute. “What do you do to manage the chaos in your life?” she asked the class, made of adult seminary professionals. She called on me, noting my eagerness. Boldly, I … [Read more…]
The highlights and memorable moments of 2018 weren’t just happy pictures that pop up on social media timelines, but they were more deeply meaningful and spiritual than what appears on the surface.