Last Christmastide I, once again, grossly overestimated my powers. To begin with, in an attempt to be hospitable we had invited international guests into our home who spent most of Advent and all of Christmas with us. On Christmas Eve, my roast beef, which was intended to both impress and embody the spirit of feasting […]
Stories that Ring True
I love reading and listening to stories. When the stories feel real and true, I love them even more because they make me feel that the longings and dreams I have are not thwarted but possible. They resonate with my heart and propel me to noble behaviors. When I consider David and his sins yet […]
Providing Anchors
We used to live in a small town in Virginia just off the Chesapeake Bay. Many a day when William got home from work we would be ready with bathing suits on and lifejackets in hand. Taking along dip nets and pails, we would jump into our little john boat and head out the mouth […]
A Modern Admonition for Sons (…or parents?)
Oh, young man, I want you to rise up early and seek the face of God. To reach over to your bedside table, still bleary with sleep and grope for God’s word, hungry to put just one line of it into your awakening soul. I want you to hear the voice of the holy Spirit […]
Reflections on Wanting To Be Right
The other day my eldest son, who is rarely critical, told me that I always wanted to be right about everything. It wasn’t said in an accusatory or confrontational way but in passing, as part of a natural conversation—which made me sit up and take notice all the more. Not a vehement rebuttal to one […]