The Art of “Living in the Tragic Gap,” Part Two: The American Dream

I’ve been wondering what the 4th of July could mean this year, given all we’ve been through. I decided to do some reading.          I started with First Principles: What America’s Founders Learned from the Greeks and Romans and How That Shaped Our Country, by Thomas E. Hicks.  After the presidential election of 2016, Hicks,Continue reading “The Art of “Living in the Tragic Gap,” Part Two: The American Dream”

The Art of “Living in the Tragic Gap”

         There are two stages of life: the first is when we are aspiring to perfection, the second is when that is no longer viable, and we begin to look within.  — David Brooks          Commencement speakers often encourage young people to dream big.  I don’t remember who spoke when I graduated from UCSB yearsContinue reading “The Art of “Living in the Tragic Gap””

Honey and Other Things: Exploring Our Inner Selves

            Years ago, I heard a presentation by Tom Boyd, a philosophy professor from the University of Oklahoma. As a boy he spent summers with his grandfather on a ranch in Texas. One chore was to help harvest honey.   After collecting, they would filter it and pour it into jars, then apply a label, “PureContinue reading “Honey and Other Things: Exploring Our Inner Selves”

Images of Our Lives: Resumes, Eulogies, Compost

            PBS and New York Times commentator David Brooks has experienced a major spiritual transformation in recent years.  One of his epiphanies is that many of us live with two sets of virtues in play.   As he wrote in a column entitled “The Moral Bucket List”:             It occurred to me that there were twoContinue reading “Images of Our Lives: Resumes, Eulogies, Compost”

The Gift of Disillusionment

            It’s a hard word to hear…disillusionment.             In our relationships: Someone we’ve trusted does something that hurts or disappoints us.  We feel deflated, confused, betrayed.               At work: The organization we are working for makes a decision that shocks or upsets us. We realize we’ve been trusting the organization to act a certain way, but it makes aContinue reading “The Gift of Disillusionment”

Love As Care and Confrontation

Years ago, a wise therapist said: “Steve, remember– love is a combination of care and confrontation.” That came as a shock. I had assumed “love” only meant “care.” But over the years I’ve reflected on this insight many times.          This week I will explore how this perspective on love is reflected in our spiritual journeys.Continue reading “Love As Care and Confrontation”

Disciple Dog’s Mother’s Day Card

         In my life and career, I’ve listened to many people describe their family life.  I learned many people have had deeply nurturing relationships with their mothers.  I know others whose relationships have been painful.  And I know the experience can also be a complicated mix.          I can affirm being a parent is not an easy task.          Over theContinue reading “Disciple Dog’s Mother’s Day Card”

My Costco Hearing Test: A Spiritual Perspective

            Like many other signposts of maturity, I knew if I lived long enough, my hearing would diminish and I’d need some help. But my male vanity was hesitant. “I can get by without hearing everything,” my inner stubborn voice muttered.  But recently I decided to man up.  I made an appointment at Costco to have my hearingContinue reading “My Costco Hearing Test: A Spiritual Perspective”