The Snowflake: Winter's Little Masterpiece
It’s winter where I live. Already we’ve had some substantial snows. Whenever I walk through snow or gaze at mounds of snow piled high near driveways and parking lots, I always remember: “It’s nothing more than flakes! Millions and millions and millions of tiny, little snowflakes!” (more…)
The Snowflake: Winter’s Little Masterpiece
It’s winter where I live. Already we’ve had some substantial snows. Whenever I walk through snow or gaze at mounds of snow piled high near driveways and parking lots, I always remember: “It’s nothing more than flakes! Millions and millions and millions of tiny, little snowflakes!” (more…)
Advent Reflection: Jesus Shows Us the Way
Several weeks ago I drove to Our Lady of the Pines retreat center in Fremont, Ohio to give a talk. Before I left, I googled the directions and saw that the center was about 120 miles from me via the Ohio Turnpike. I had no problem with the directions until I got into Fremont itself. That’s when I got lost—on Main Street. (more…)
Thanksgiving: Taking Nothing for Granted
I was touring Arches National Park in Utah several years ago with some friends. Everywhere we looked we saw incredible rock formations: graceful arches, soaring spires, towering pinnacles, each one clamoring for our attention, each one eliciting our awe. (more…)
Do You Need to Give Yourself a "Time Out"?
At our family gathering, little Aaron, 2 1/2, was acting up. His parents told him to settle down or he would get a “time out.” Aaron didn’t settle down. So his father unceremoniously picked him up and carried him down the hall to his bedroom. He deposited him inside, said a few words to him, and shut the door. Aaron whimpered a little on the other side of the door, but, after a few minutes, he was quiet. He was settling down. Soon his father went back to the bedroom and, after saying a few words to Aaron again, he released him from his “time out.” Aaron scampered back to our family gathering all smiles. (more…)
