We are beginning to understand each other, and possibly even work together. I met Siri about a month ago, when my impending birthday gave me an excuse to graduate from an iPhone 3G to an iPhone 5. She was a little intimidating at first, but I was able to start winning her over. I make sure that I thank her whenever we talk. I had an opportunity to spend some time with my friend Beth in San Diego a few... Read more
New Year’s Day is one of my favorite holidays. I love the feeling of a fresh, new year. It is like writing the first letter on a clean sheet of paper. The air of New Year’s morning is filled with possibilities and new beginnings. I often take a long walk on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day to remember the lessons of the past year and anticipate the lessons of the new one. In many ways, though, celebrating... Read more
Merry Christmas! It is easy to get lost and miss Christmas altogether. Christmas is not about trees and tinsel, garland or getting what you want. It is not about wrapping paper, ribbon, shopping, and gift cards. It is not about mangers, shepherds, and angels. Christmas is not about traditions or the tastes of special foods, caroling or movie openings. It is not about traveling or spending time with relatives. It is not about white or blue, the weather, or watching a fire.... Read more
I am part of a liturgical church. Advent, the weeks before Christmas, is a time of new beginnings and getting ready. It begins in small ways. We strain to listen to its first whispers. Advent grows steadily, one candle at a time, and the glow spreads from week to week. The light and the life of Advent spread one person at a time as we reach to share our true light and life with each other. Our time of preparation... Read more
There is a great deal of anticipation around the world about Friday, December 21, 2012. Some believe that 12-21-12 will be the date that the world will end; others believe it will mark the dawn of a new era in world history. It is a question of very significant personal interest for me. December 21 this year, like every year, is the day before my birthday. Every year, my birthday is three days before Christmas Day; this year, it could... Read more
Being a leader is about finding and sharing the truth. Setting a True Course I know people who put a tremendous amount of energy into taking the steps they need to gain leadership positions. They have a career plan and target dates for the career moves they need to make to become the leaders they want to be. I have been that kind of person. The truth is that it is the obstacles and challenges that help us become the... Read more
Advent is the beginning of our annual cycle of life. We spend time each year growing, producing, and resting; we return to Advent. We anticipate and prepare, ready to receive new life. Advent is like a living thing. It begins very small, with first whispers and the light of one candle. It grows more vocal and more visible. There are more candles each week, special readings and services, Advent Lessons and Carols. Now, in mid-December, Advent is in full swing.... Read more
1. Even if you go to the Rose Bowl game in person two years in a row, you may not get to see the Wisconsin Badgers win. 2. As I learn to love more completely, I realize that my fear is not real. 3. It is very important to know who you can trust. 4. Yes, I am a real monk. 5. Leadership is getting out of your own way. 6. Growing up is about more than getting old. 7. We are... Read more
Leaders help us remember, and they help us let go. Remembering The leaders who inspire me remind me who I can become. They remember who I am and what I have already done. Leaders retell our story, incorporating what we need each time. They do not let us forget the time we worked together, with no resources and no extra time, to exceed the expectations of others. Leaders point out the ways in which we can become better than we... Read more
I belong to a liturgical church. Each liturgical year begins with Advent, the weeks with the shortest amount of daylight. Each week, we remind ourselves of our story and we share a meal. During Advent, we light one additional candle each week as we anticipate and prepare ourselves. The number of lit candles increases each week to remind us that Advent is about light. We read that, in the beginning, darkness was on the face of the deep until God... Read more
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