I’ve often claimed that spring is my favorite time of the year. Even in sunny California, spring is an exceptionally beautiful time with the blossoming fruit trees, the wisteria and star jasmine that take turns perfuming my backyard and the inevitable return of the freesia and dahlias I planted a few years ago. Roses bloom and the nursery is filled with colorful annuals. But spring has always meant more substantial life changes beyond my garden. Continue reading “Spring Always Brings Me Change”
Thoughts About James Comey
I don’t want to read James Comey’s new book, “A Higher Loyalty”. I’m not sure I need to after watching him be interviewed day after day. I think I’ve formed an opinion of him. And I find that I am truly ambivalent when it comes to him. Continue reading “Thoughts About James Comey”
Recognizing Progress
This week I had the privilege of hearing the experience and expectations of a queer male student on our campus. As he described his experience, he kept qualifying each account with a “but we only have” or “but we need to have” or “but we don’t have.” At first, I felt a bit offended by how this student described the glass as half empty and not as half full. I think sometimes in our push for needed reforms, we neglect to recognize and celebrate progress. Continue reading “Recognizing Progress”
Musings about Lasting Impressions
It seems to me that grown children maintain and even perpetuate an impression of their parents that the parents themselves may not even recognize as an image of themselves. I’ve encountered that with my own children. To argue about their image of me is a senseless act of futility that can be disruptive to the current relationship. Continue reading “Musings about Lasting Impressions”
Trauma
Trauma is defined simply as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. On this resurrection Sunday, we are reminded that Jesus suffered the trauma of crucifixion on Friday that included physical and emotional pain plus humiliation. But God raised him up after three days to take His place as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. As human beings, we all experience varying degrees of trauma at different points in our lives.