The insomniac

In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul urges us to pray for “kings and all who are in authority” so they can lead tranquil lives of godliness and dignity. It’s a wonderful, responsible reminder of how we should dutifully honor and pray for our leaders. However, he forgot to remind us that we should also pray that God would give them the occasional dose of insomnia. Do…

Kidney stones

I figured out how to not have to wait long in the lobby of the Emergency Room. Show up with kidney stones. Last week I went around this mountain for the second time (the first time I had a kidney stone was ten years ago, but it still feels like yesterday), and when I arrived at the ER all curled up like a baby, they took…

The DMV

When was the last time you made a trip to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles)? Did you love it? What adjectives would you use to describe your time there? Invigorating? Inspiring? Refreshing? What adjectives would you use to describe the people who were in line there with you? Excited? Patient? Gracious? And how about the workers? Were they optimistic, motivated, and kind? did they seem…

Playing your note

  “When I teach, I feel like me.”  Do you remember that quote from the Hillary Swank movie, Freedom Writers? In a dramatic scene wherein Swank’s character is attempting to explain to her frustrated husband why she has such an exceptional commitment to her troubled students, she blurts out passionately: “When I teach, I feel like me.” It’s a great scene, and it resonates well…

Lava Girls

When is the last time you did something for the very first time? I keep thinking about this question during our Lava Girl practices (the Lave Girls are simply the very best 8 and 9-year-old girl soccer team in the world). Everything about them is fresh and new and “first.” So far this month they’ve experienced a first practice with a new coach, a first…