(I’m still noodling about how best to take positive, effective actions to meet the challenges of the coming days in our nation’s history. Today another thought, arising from Hebrews 10:24. “Let us consider how to *provoke one another to love and good deeds.” [NRSV]) Buried in the middle of Lectionary 33 (the 26th Sunday after Pentecost, Cycle B), the sentence above encourages one way of thinkingMORE...
Footnotes for “Holy Spirit as normal” (To expand the subject just a bit, here are the background thoughts that framed my recent blog about the Holy Spirit. Yes, this matter might be bigger than at first meets the writing/reading eye….) Uncertain times – A newer form of biblical interpretation proposes that much of Scripture was authored, proclaimed and taught in times of great societal stress—aMORE...
In these uncertain times, it’s comforting to think of the Spirit as Great Surpriser, or Master of the Unexpected. When we least anticipate her, the Holy Ghost visits our work tables and emotional perches, offering the welcome grace of sudden rescue, motivation or inspiration. A wonderful feature of Trinitarian theology, this view of the Spirit’s role can foster both hope and gratitude. But whatMORE...
For as long as I can remember—at both a professional and personal level—I’ve fretted about the matter of living a Christ-like life in the middle of a culture that’s perhaps not always righteous. I’m aware that both contexts—Christ and culture—can lay claim on my identity, my priorities, my values. Just a few days ago, a perhaps-helpful metaphor came to mind: That my lifestyle and identity mightMORE...
Over my years of elderhood, I’ve noticed that some of us may have lost some of our abilities to empathize with others. This certainly isn’t a phenomenon seen among just older adults, but it feels unseemly, maybe even pitiable for those of us who are elders. What have I noticed? Older adults who behave as if they’ve forgotten that other people exist in their immediate physical surroundings. WhoMORE...
(Perhaps like you, I’ve been startled by the results of the recent national elections. After trying to parse what may have happened, I realized that it could be more helpful to think about what might lie ahead. That frame of mind could be more hopeful/courageous and thus more motivating. What follows are my ruminations about how I might purposefully approach a future that right now looks ominousMORE...
(As we consider these times—and pray about them—our words can help shape our own and others’ spirits for what we face each day. Our thoughts may grow more intriguing as we increase the variety of our words—sparking listeners/readers’ interest. Today I offer some familiar terms that may enrich your communications, and add *synonyms that might color your conversations and writing with especiallyMORE...
Glum thoughts result in glum outlooks and withered motivations to live a purposed life. That sentence describes much of my thought patterns and lifestyle over way too many recent weeks. To be blunt about it: My older adult brain has not been firing on all its best neuronal cylinders. Perhaps you are experiencing the same state of a dimming mindset. What to do? St. Paul—who faced overwhelmingMORE...
(The following entry is inspired by Jean Francois-Millet’s famous painting, “Angelus”. It depicts an elderly farming couple coming to the end of their workday with a moment of standing-in-the-field prayer.) Like many of you, Chris and I share words of spoken gratitude before our evening meal. Sometimes called “grace,” these varied prayers involve just the two of us, so they may seem small andMORE...
One truism about older adulthood is that some of our life-decisions may now lead toward possible dead-ends. Places where no good choices remain, realities from which we cannot escape. (Familiar examples: Smoking from a young age, ignoring good health habits or spending beyond our means.) This truth leads me to wonder what might be happen when we finally realize that we’ve come to any ofMORE...
BOB SITZE has filled the many years of his lifework in diverse settings around the United States. His calling has included careers as a teacher/principal, church musician, writer/author, denominational executive staff member and meat worker. Bob lives in Wheaton, IL.