For 15 months in 2022-2023, I was a hospice chaplain-in-training. To work as a professional chaplain, most settings require four units (1600 hours) of training. Part of the time is spent working onsite as a chaplain and part of the time is spent with a small peer reflection group of 8 people. Most people do […]
Spiritual Reflections
A Blessing for Michael on the Tenth Anniversary of his Suicide Attempt
Recently, I was asked to help craft a ritual honoring a writing partner and friend who tried to end his own life ten years ago. This is the blessing I wrote for the occasion. Blessed are you, Michael. Blessed are you whose story was almost cut short. Ten Years ago, a part of you placed […]
Gratitude as Survival Strategy
Practicing gratitude helps us pay attention in a different way. It pulls our attention to the good. Not to deny injustice and harm or to erase anger, regret or loneliness, but to focus on what we want to foster. And as a shared practice, expressing genuine gratitude helps us affirm the worth and dignity of the people we live with and work with. Saying thank you is shorthand for I see you and you matter.
Story > Data
I recently had a conversation with a colleague of mine about refugees coming to the United States. My colleague believes that we should be more cautious about who we let into the country. At one point during the conversation, I said that I found meaning in the story of Jesus’ family’s experience as refugees during […]
A Few Thoughts About Prayer
This past month, I met one-on-one and in small groups with several companions who were in the process of renewing their prayer and reflection. I was co-facilitating an online retreat called Living with the Word: A Month Praying Scripture. To a person, these conversations reinforced my appreciation for the many meaningful ways to pray. Some of my companions craved […]