News & Articles
A DIFFERENT ST. VALENTINE’S DAY
Next week, an odd juxtaposition of commemorations occurs when Ash Wednesday falls on February 14, St. Valentine’s Day. On the surface, it would seem that the two remembrances couldn’t be further apart in meaning. Ash Wednesday invites Christians to remember that we are dust and to dust we will return. St. Valentine’s Day celebrates the…
WHAT’S YOUR CALLING?
For some people, career and vocation mean the same thing, but there are differences. A career is usually something a person chooses based on several factors—one’s interests, the salary, or one’s employability—while a vocation is something a person feels called to do. It isn’t surprising that vocation is often associated with a person’s spiritual life. …
WEIGHT ON THE ARCH
A recent study conducted by a research center found that a growing number of clergypersons are leaving their vocation or are tempted to do so. Being the son of a minister, I was already aware of the toll that the position takes on people. I remember my father having to conduct a funeral before officiating…
THE POWER OF MEMORY
Several years ago, I was invited to speak at a conference center in southern Wisconsin on interfaith relations. It wasn’t until I looked at the conference brochure that I realized that I’d be returning to a place where I’d spent summers as a boy. The conference center was always magical to me. The grounds were…
We Are All Caretakers
In the writing workshops that I offer, I begin by sharing with participants what we all have in common. We are all caretakers of stories that will never be known unless we tell them. This is true whether we are talking about non-fiction, fiction, poetry, plays, or songs. To be a caretaker of anything or…
Facing The Future With Open Eyes
The new year begins with a lot of uncertainty, and it’s likely that our nation and the world will look quite different before 2025. On the global scene, will 2024 bring a resolution to the war in Ukraine? The answer to that depends not just on Putin and Zelensky, but also on American politicians. If…