To keep death before one's eyes daily. Rule of St Benedict, Chapter IV 1. The Hospital is a Desert As I have written here before, I was a hospital chaplain for about 8 years. It was difficult work and I struggled, but I count this time as a blessing. I encountered God on many occasions. … Continue reading Evanescence (I)
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Desk-clearing
When engaging in contemplative prayer à la Keating or Main, or when meditating, the direction given is to eschew thoughts. Thinking happens. You cannot avoid, stop or squash it. Notice thoughts as they arise and let them go. It's ok, it's normal, it's what the mind does, it is easy to get hooked, but don't … Continue reading Desk-clearing
How to find your inner wisdom
What's the one thing? After 24 years of coaching individuals and groups from nearly every walk of life, I can say with confidence that the people who do really well over time are often not the smartest, or most well-read. They can be introvert or extrovert; seemingly self-assured or apparently neurotic and insecure. What they … Continue reading How to find your inner wisdom
R.T.F.Q.
The last thing [Howard Thurman] said before I left was probably the single most important bit of advice I ever got about being a man. "Sam," he said, "there are two questions a man must ask himself: The first is 'Where am I going?' and the second is 'Who will go with me?' If you … Continue reading R.T.F.Q.
Starting again, again
When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. Luke 15.20 Times are when you don't pray. There's been a lot going on, you've been on holiday, you're not feeling up to it, you're busy, stressed, anxious, overwhelmed. There are always … Continue reading Starting again, again
The last day of your life
'So what is significant?' 'That today might be the last day of your life.' George Ivanovich laughed mockingly. 'But doesn't everyone know that?! Everyone knows that today could be the end of it all!' The man in the turban paused. 'Everyone knows it my friend. But not everyone feels it. Everyone knows it as a … Continue reading The last day of your life
How to find God in the humblest of things (V)
Being in God's story is hard for humans because we can never know the meaning. The meaning is in the being, not the understanding. Everything you need is already given. Do not try to invent or create a life where you will feel really alive. Live.
How to find God in the humblest of things (IV)
You are part of something unimaginably bigger than you. You can have little or no idea what that is about. It is above your pay-grade. You are a single letter in the book of God's story. Each particle of this world is your sister or brother because we are all born of the same star; … Continue reading How to find God in the humblest of things (IV)
How to find God in the humblest of things (III)
This morning I stand in the warm rays of the morning Sun – about 94 million miles, or 8 light minutes, away. All the atoms in this body yearn for their primal home, this Sun. So does my soul yearn for You, O God. [Look out for part IV tomorrow.]
How to find God in the humblest of things (II)
What is the meaning of life? What is my life about? What does God want me to do? These are questions many of us ask, especially as life progresses, we get older, perhaps hit middle age, realise that life does not become clearer with age, and we begin to think about death. We want our … Continue reading How to find God in the humblest of things (II)