My wife-to-be and I sat in the living room of what would be our first townhouse. I opened the jewel case, not a jewelry case but the old-school plastic containers in which CDs live. I pulled out Rich Mullins’ Songs Vol. 2 and clicked to the track called “The Love of God.” “This song gets me,” I said. “For whatever reason.” In the last few weeks Rich’s name has come up in a few different conversations. Many of us who know his... Read more
The day we went to Christchurch Cathedral, the day I walked the labyrinth, was warmer than we had expected. My wife, daughter, and I were on vacation in Dublin, Ireland. The late March skies clouded and receded all day long, testing our trust of weather apps and local meteorologists. But the skies held and we remained dry all day. It was a bucket list item for me to see the land from which I came, I suppose. It’s hard to... Read more
I wrote a book called “As I Recall” – could we talk about it? The process of writing and promoting a book is difficult. If you are writing in the area of Christian spiritual formation it is even more difficult because you do not want to appear to be a salesman. And yet, we write books so that people will read them. I write so you will read. However, you won’t be able to read the book if you don’t know about... Read more
I’m a sucker for new books. I am especially susceptible to pick up a book on reading or writing. Not long ago, we stopped at the public library to reload. On the new titles shelf I found Meghan Cox Gurdon’s book The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction. The words that stuck out were “Power,” “Reading Aloud,” and “Distraction.” Per other posts on this blog, I myself struggle with distraction on a regular... Read more
I thought it might be interesting to post a spiritual practice today. This a common spiritual exercise I use when leading folks through times of retreat. The goal isn’t earning “points” per se, the goal of the disciplines is never “earning.” As Dallas Willard once said, “Grace is opposed to earning, not to effort.” A spiritual practice is an effort that is met, sustained by, and infused with grace. The act of fasting, worship, service, silence, and solitude (among others)... Read more
If I had to define a primary influence for the growth – personal, spiritual, relational, etc. – throughout my life, it would be “reading broadly.” A food metaphor hits the heart of “why” this influence has made such a difference: Growth is not a steak, it’s a stew. The idea that growth in physical health can come from exercise only, or that growth in relationships comes from conversation only misses the point of what growth is. Growth comes when multiple sources and viewpoints... Read more
I had a wonderful conversation yesterday during a podcast interview about writing and creativity. It reminded me of an idea that came while I was preparing to lead a retreat, and the idea is this: There are multiple “spirits” that go into our creativity. When I say creative work, I mean any work we do where we are “speaking” things into being. Whatever medium you use – whether painting or writing, yes, but also cooking and parenting. It is important to... Read more
Distraction comes for us all, in the end. The past few weeks have been interesting in the Tygrett house. Preparing for a book launch requires a LOT of social media presence, strategizing when to release posts and what to include. Add to that reading and preparation for other ongoing projects, and eventually my brain began to bog down. Something had to give. When our brain is pressed to the point of slogging, we have to decide on a change. One... Read more
Today, I want to invite you to engage in “noticing.” This is the time of year that my wife and I pay attention for signs of spring. Our bodies begin to press back against the deep chill, and we look for any hints of life. A sprig of green grass left over from the past year; a small pot of tulips bring color to the grey-light days. It is a time when we sharpen our ability to notice. Easter is... Read more
I pulled off for gas at the Hinsdale Oasis. Not exactly a place where one would expect a moment of tenderness. Driving home from a radio interview, my mind was humming with conversation. Talking about my next book, writing in general, and other assorted topics filled me with energy. It wasn’t enough energy to fuel my vehicle, however. In a related story, I tend to press my luck with the low fuel warnings in my car. I push past where... Read more
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