This post from UTNE Magazine is an incredible plea for us to get more rest. The post is actually an excerpt from an article by Matt Carmichael, a writer, teacher & activist, in the magazine Resurgence, which aims to raise the awareness of spiritual and ecological issues
He breaks down the forms of tiredness we feel during the day:
Sleepiness: When we're so tired we don't function properly
Fatigue: When we're tired of what we're doing; tired of our activities
Ennui: When we're tired (bored) of what we have
Satiation: When we're tired of consumption
The answer? Get more rest. And this will mean sacrifice; namely, choosing not to do some of the things we currently feel compelled to do.
What can you stop doing today? How will rest help you to focus more on other activities? How can getting more sleep help you be more productive and enjoy your "waking life"?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Sunday, December 28, 2008
All That Has Ever Been Hoped For
Sometimes I ask myself why I'm in seminary. I think it's a good question to ask, however scary. One of Emily's friends is in law school, doesn't enjoy it and is struggling. I enjoy seminary a lot and feel quite comfortable here, but the question of "why seminary?" can quickly lead to "so what are you going to do next?"
Recently, I have been leaning more towards seeking out a teaching role rather than a pastoral role. Not only does the idea of being a role model for high schoolers and teaching them how to think with more nuance excite me, but also having so much more contact time with them than the average parish ministry. I'm interested in community building and teaching people not to just deconstruct their world but also reconstruct
In the meantime, I'm in Seminary, wondering why I'm here, "searching for the living among the dead." I found this post to have a very thoughtful answer:
“I'm searching through all that has ever been hoped, in praise of what can never be known.”
In praise of always searching and never knowing,
yet ever hoping.
Recently, I have been leaning more towards seeking out a teaching role rather than a pastoral role. Not only does the idea of being a role model for high schoolers and teaching them how to think with more nuance excite me, but also having so much more contact time with them than the average parish ministry. I'm interested in community building and teaching people not to just deconstruct their world but also reconstruct
In the meantime, I'm in Seminary, wondering why I'm here, "searching for the living among the dead." I found this post to have a very thoughtful answer:
“I'm searching through all that has ever been hoped, in praise of what can never be known.”
In praise of always searching and never knowing,
yet ever hoping.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Savior Season
After reading David Brook's recent column, I am left to wonder... If we are really facing an historic inauguration day, vastly re-centralizing our government, throwing money left and right and are running on high anxiety, then it sounds like we're in need a of a Savior.
'Tis the season for saving, not spending.
Check out this provocative Advent video about gift ideas for this season:
'Tis the season for saving, not spending.
Check out this provocative Advent video about gift ideas for this season:
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Perishing from the Injustice We Permit
Today is the 60th Anniversary of the signing Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Amnesty International has two powerful videos, one shorter and one longer, in honor of this day and for its continued support from our leaders... and us!
"The Price of Silence"
From Jurgen Motlmann's book, The Source of Life (p. 110):
"The poor are crying out for justice first of all, not for prosperity; and we ourselves are perishing from the injustice we permit, even if we are leading comfortable lives.
The hunger for justice is a holy hunger;
the thirst for righteousness is a sacred thirst.
It is a hunger and thirst of the Holy Spirit itself.
May that Spirit fill us through and through."
"The Price of Silence"
From Jurgen Motlmann's book, The Source of Life (p. 110):
"The poor are crying out for justice first of all, not for prosperity; and we ourselves are perishing from the injustice we permit, even if we are leading comfortable lives.
The hunger for justice is a holy hunger;
the thirst for righteousness is a sacred thirst.
It is a hunger and thirst of the Holy Spirit itself.
May that Spirit fill us through and through."
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Equality in Marriage
I support equal marriage rights for two willing people, regardless of gender. I think it is a travesty that we allow some to marry and others not to. Essentially, it comes down to whether or not you believe people are created gay or choose to be gay. If you're not convinced, please befriend more gay people. We all have a lot in common; it just takes getting to know each other. We have nothing to fear but fear itself.
I've collected three videos that poignantly highlight the issue.
First, the serious (Keith Olbermann goes on what I characterize as a mercy-diatribe):
Second, the funny (Princeton students ban Freshman from walking on sidewalk - a creative way to point out the silliness of it all and what an obstruction of justice it is):
And finally, a discussion (Mike Huckabee & John Stewart talk about same-sex marriage on the Daily Show):
Jon Stewart: [Referring to Huckabee's argument that we're redefining the word "marriage" even though it used to mean slaves couldn't marry, interracial marriages were banned and polygamy is now outlawed]
"Semantics is cold comfort for humanity."
I've collected three videos that poignantly highlight the issue.
First, the serious (Keith Olbermann goes on what I characterize as a mercy-diatribe):
Second, the funny (Princeton students ban Freshman from walking on sidewalk - a creative way to point out the silliness of it all and what an obstruction of justice it is):
And finally, a discussion (Mike Huckabee & John Stewart talk about same-sex marriage on the Daily Show):
Jon Stewart: [Referring to Huckabee's argument that we're redefining the word "marriage" even though it used to mean slaves couldn't marry, interracial marriages were banned and polygamy is now outlawed]
"Semantics is cold comfort for humanity."
Monday, November 17, 2008
All It Takes is Faith
Today at lunch we discussed the theological topic of what it means to believe, and how do we come to believe in God. We're reading Jurgen Moltmann's excellent book, The Spirit of Life, and this is what spurred on the discussion.
From a Western perspective, and relying heavily on Thomas Aquinas, we must first understand before we are able to see, and once we can see we are able to love. Thus, one must first seek knowledge, even if it's "faith seeking understanding" - believing that you'll understand why it is you believe.
From an Eastern perspective, one must first love, and by loving, be able to see, and then finally understand. In a sense, it reverses or stands in contrast to the cycle set up by Aquinas.
I have another idea to throw into the midst: trust and belief play an integral, dynamic role. They build off each other in a way that continually deepens the relationship and opens oneself up to new and further possibilities... on into the infinite.
Yet how do we enter this cycle? Where do we begin? It's a which came first problem, the chicken or the egg? How can we trust someone if we do not first believe her/him? And yet, how can we believe someone if we do not first trust her/him?
My answer is that all it takes is faith, which is a gracious gift from God (Grace Alone, Faith Alone, God Alone). Stepping out in faith gets us into the circle of trust/belief, and the deeper we go in our experience of trust and belief, the deeper our faith grows.
Thoughts? I got a bunch of blank looks from my colleagues, but I like to think that I'm on to something.
From a Western perspective, and relying heavily on Thomas Aquinas, we must first understand before we are able to see, and once we can see we are able to love. Thus, one must first seek knowledge, even if it's "faith seeking understanding" - believing that you'll understand why it is you believe.
From an Eastern perspective, one must first love, and by loving, be able to see, and then finally understand. In a sense, it reverses or stands in contrast to the cycle set up by Aquinas.
I have another idea to throw into the midst: trust and belief play an integral, dynamic role. They build off each other in a way that continually deepens the relationship and opens oneself up to new and further possibilities... on into the infinite.
Yet how do we enter this cycle? Where do we begin? It's a which came first problem, the chicken or the egg? How can we trust someone if we do not first believe her/him? And yet, how can we believe someone if we do not first trust her/him?
My answer is that all it takes is faith, which is a gracious gift from God (Grace Alone, Faith Alone, God Alone). Stepping out in faith gets us into the circle of trust/belief, and the deeper we go in our experience of trust and belief, the deeper our faith grows.
Thoughts? I got a bunch of blank looks from my colleagues, but I like to think that I'm on to something.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Obama Wins! ... Equality for All?
I can't say how joyful I am to know that Barack Hussein Obama will be our next president! WAHOO!! I thought Sen. McCain gave a gracious concession speech, and President-Elect Obama promised to work with him and listen especially to those he disagreed with. What a stark change from 8 years of boneheaded-cowboy posturing! "Unreal" America is back, and change is uh-coming.
And still, there is much work to be done, in the area of human rights, healthcare, the economy, energy, campaign finance reform... the list goes on. We have hope in what we cannot yet see, save for in our hearts. May we have the wherewithall to persevere through not just a nearly two-year long presidentinal campaign, but a four year presidency, seeking justice, loving mercy and walking humbly together for a more peaceful world.
There is also a part of me that is a little sad. The returns for California's Prop 8, which would take away the right to marry for those marrying a person of the same gender, show it passing 52-48%, or 400,000 votes difference. Other states, including Florida, Arkansas and Arizona, also passed initiatives to limit the rights of gay persons. The ban of gay marriage is even more disheartening with the news that hate crimes against gays have risen this past year by 5.5%.
Our nation was founded on the guarantee and protection of rights. We are taking a step backward by denying others rights we hetereosexuals enjoy. The state takes the rights of people away only when they do something wrong. What have our GLBT friends done wrong? Too often we act as a nation of privilege, rather than one of equality.
Hateful discrimination is unfair. It is unjust. It is wrong.
Today we mourn. Tomorrow we cry out and begin the hard work of proclaiming a peaceful message of equality for all, no matter your gender, ethnicity, age, immigration status or sexual orientation.
On this day we celebrate the unprecedented election of the first non-white, non-British, Irish or German descent leader ever elected to the U.S.'s highest office. And we also know that this is just the beginning.
And still, there is much work to be done, in the area of human rights, healthcare, the economy, energy, campaign finance reform... the list goes on. We have hope in what we cannot yet see, save for in our hearts. May we have the wherewithall to persevere through not just a nearly two-year long presidentinal campaign, but a four year presidency, seeking justice, loving mercy and walking humbly together for a more peaceful world.
There is also a part of me that is a little sad. The returns for California's Prop 8, which would take away the right to marry for those marrying a person of the same gender, show it passing 52-48%, or 400,000 votes difference. Other states, including Florida, Arkansas and Arizona, also passed initiatives to limit the rights of gay persons. The ban of gay marriage is even more disheartening with the news that hate crimes against gays have risen this past year by 5.5%.
Our nation was founded on the guarantee and protection of rights. We are taking a step backward by denying others rights we hetereosexuals enjoy. The state takes the rights of people away only when they do something wrong. What have our GLBT friends done wrong? Too often we act as a nation of privilege, rather than one of equality.
Hateful discrimination is unfair. It is unjust. It is wrong.
Today we mourn. Tomorrow we cry out and begin the hard work of proclaiming a peaceful message of equality for all, no matter your gender, ethnicity, age, immigration status or sexual orientation.
On this day we celebrate the unprecedented election of the first non-white, non-British, Irish or German descent leader ever elected to the U.S.'s highest office. And we also know that this is just the beginning.
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