The ambiguity of a global pandemic tempts us to anxiety and doubt. We feel discomfited by demands of protest and the realities they present. Confusion and chaos seem more present than calm and consolation. In all of this, I have felt invited to listen more deeply to my world, myself, and my God...

When I was young, growing in a small Texas town, fireworks came round once a year. In our town there were no pyrotechnic displays perfectly coordinated with music but the impact of roman candles, sparklers, and poppers were no less exciting. Today, fireworks are more spectacular and more common.

The words of wisdom this month on the calendar hanging next to my computer read, “what people really need is a good listening to.” Listening. It seems we talk about it a lot which, I suppose, adds to the irony that we actually do it so rarely.

An interesting video on how the human brain is wired for kindness, compassion, and empathy. I am reminded that we are made in God's image and likeness, which is a stunning reality. People aren't the worst. People are the best.

Jesus said to her, "For whom are you looking?" John 20:15

Sometimes, often enough, Jesus isn't the Jesus I am looking for. Mary was looking for someone who was dead. Jesus isn't dead. I can be that way. Sometimes I look for the Jesus who isn't.

I recently read this sentence: "I am awesome at prayer because I love people and I know God loves me." I think I almost stopped breathing. Do I feel this way about prayer?

God of surprises. I suppose we have become familiar with the term. Perhaps the term itself is an attempt to tame God a little...