by David Anderson
The shortest distance between two points is usually the most boring. The fastest way of doing something is often the most mindless. Every day we have these to-do lists. Into every 24 hours we stuff 48. When we still can’t get it all done, we hire a coach who can make us even more efficient […]
by David Anderson 23 Comments Filed Under: Awareness, Awe, Daily Practice, Happiness, Now/ the Present, Seeing
is perhaps the Bible’s most famous turner. God was about to destroy the city of Sodom, her hometown, and despite being warned to leave and not look back, she did (Gen. 19). She couldn’t help herself. I have a hard time condemning Mrs. Lot since I would have done the same thing. I’m with that […]
by David Anderson 5 Comments Filed Under: Awareness, Awe, Discernment, Seeing
I awoke today to 2.5 inches of snow. Just like they said. There is something deadening about foreknowledge. I can’t remember the last time I was surprised by a snowstorm. We are mostly surprised, I think, when the weather hypers get it wrong, when the ‘bomb cyclone’ or ‘polar vortex’ fizzles. But either way, we […]
by David Anderson 9 Comments Filed Under: Awareness, Awe, Choice, Daily Practice, Faith/Trust, Now/ the Present, Reality--trusting it, Seeing
Matthew 2:1-12 “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” Stars are everywhere at Christmas—they top our trees and stud the skies of nearly every holiday card. It all began with the visit of the Magi, royal astrologers from Babylon, who showed up in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is he who has been […]
by David Anderson 2 Comments Filed Under: Advent, Awareness, Awe, Beauty, Daily Practice, Discernment, Epiphany, Faith in Action, Faith/Trust, Guidance, Joy, Mystery, Seeing, Surrender
Luke 2: 1-7 “And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city.” It was December 22, 2000. I was sitting at my desk proofing a service bulletin when a call came in. The receptionist said someone wanted to talk to “the pastor.” That usually meant: someone wants money. This bulletin was past deadline, […]
by David Anderson 10 Comments Filed Under: Advent, Awareness, Awe, Discernment, Epiphany, Listening, Mystery, Seeing
James 5:7 “Be patient, then, my friends, until the coming of the Lord.” Advent is not simply about the first coming, or even the second coming of Christ. There is a third advent. St. Bernard of Clairvaux called it the “Middle Coming,” the long, faithful road from Bethlehem to the end of time. Here is […]
by David Anderson 5 Comments Filed Under: Advent, Awe, Seeing, Uncategorized
Luke 1:57-80 “The morning sun from heaven will rise upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” When John the Baptist is born, his father Zechariah bursts into a song of praise. John will merely pave the […]
by David Anderson 3 Comments Filed Under: Advent, Awareness, Discernment, LIght, Seeing
Once a few Decembers ago we were planning a holiday party and I decided it would perfect to light the weeping cherry tree in the front yard. The week of the party I left the office at one o’clock. I needed to deck these boughs while the light held, and I figured I needed at […]
by David Anderson 10 Comments Filed Under: Awareness, Awe, Beauty, Discernment, Faith/Trust, Hope, Letting Go, LIght, Seeing