Reason Number Five

Last updated on: July 28, 2010 at 9:06 am By Christy Thomas

Two experiences radically change our perception of the world: First: travel that takes us a long way outside normal routines; second: learning a new language. Why? They expand our awareness of our interior lives and our habits. That which is normally rote and routine suddenly becomes challenging, even scary. Adventurous travel means going from the known to the much less known, or even the unknown. It carries some element of danger and discomfort. Luxury travel packages seek to lessen that... Read more

Excuse Number Six

Last updated on: July 19, 2010 at 6:50 am By Christy Thomas

When I watch TV, I enjoy some forensic science shows and medical dramas. I suppose I’ve watched enough of them now that I could easily hang out my shingle and perform delicate brain surgery. Would you be willing to be a candidate for my first try? Only a fool would answer “yes” to that question. Watching McDreamy on Grey’s Anatomy hardly qualifies me to cut into someone’s scalp and do a delicate dissection (nor does it qualify McDreamy, for that... Read more

Excuse Number Seven

Last updated on: July 12, 2010 at 10:04 am By Christy Thomas

I really enjoy the theater. I am fascinated by the art of an accomplished actor convincingly becoming another person. Such a one displays expert play acting–and, by definition, is a hypocrite. A hypocrite: someone playing another part, pretending to be someone else. So every time we go to see a performance, either live or on film, we are looking at a bunch of hypocrites. Now, on the stage or in film, that kind of hypocrisy is accepted and admired. ... Read more

Excuse Number Eight

Last updated on: July 6, 2010 at 4:13 pm By Christy Thomas

As a real master of procrastination, I know the mantra, “I’ll get to it later.” A couple of days ago, I sat down at my desk and looked at my “I’ll get to it later” stack. It was not a pretty moment. Everything in me wanted just to shove it aside. After all, I could get to it later. I bet I’m not alone. Most everyone will occasionally delay tasks or the formation of habits that are difficult for the... Read more

Messiest Desk in the Country

Last updated on: July 2, 2010 at 10:40 am By Christy Thomas

I was watching “Clean House” for a little while last night as they tackled the “messiest home in the country.” It was pretty horrific, to be sure. I sat there wondering how on earth that family had managed to get into that mess, and feeling somewhat superior to them. Then I came to work this morning to try to clear some things off my desk. Now I know how they got into that mess: neglect of the little things that... Read more

Excuse Number Nine

Last updated on: June 29, 2010 at 1:05 pm By Christy Thomas

Last week’s column on Excuse Number Ten for missing worship, “God will understand” sparked some interesting comment–and I do welcome those responses. They hone my thinking about this human tendency to place the responsibility for both major and minor decisions squarely on the shoulders of others. I know how often I become what I call “othered.” That’s not “bothered,” by the way. ”Othered” is the act of letting the actions of others dictate my own actions. I set aside personal... Read more

Excuse Number Ten

Last updated on: June 22, 2010 at 12:04 pm By Christy Thomas

As I work my way through my list of excuses people give for choosing not to give regular time for the care and nurture of their souls in a corporate gathering, I have to look at myself. I have used Excuse Number Ten, “God will understand” multiple times as a justification for doing something I know I shouldn’t–or for not doing something I know I should. When I look at that statement just by itself, I become aware of my... Read more

Reason Number Eleven

Last updated on: June 14, 2010 at 10:09 pm By Christy Thomas

Come into this scene with me: a loved one has died and the family wants a clergy person to guide them through the really tough time of loss and grief. We clergy who spend much of our life at the crossroads of death and life are often able to bring not only some comfort, but helpful perspective at these times. When the person who had died is unknown to me, I seek to learn the history and find the patterns... Read more

Reason Number Twelve

Last updated on: June 6, 2010 at 12:21 pm By Christy Thomas

Today, I explore excuse Number Twelve of fifteen for staying away from a worshipping community: “They all teach and believe different things. How do I know which one is right?” Let’s consider the logic to the statement. We see different ways to practice medicine, educate children, repair cars, cook chicken, clean a house, run a business, grow a garden, program a computer, cut hair, have a satisfying marriage. Multiple opinions do not mean that we quit seeking medical help or... Read more

Excuse Number Thirteen

Last updated on: June 1, 2010 at 12:32 pm By Christy Thomas

The excuses continue. Why do people neglect caring for their own soul by avoiding regular gatherings, which I call church? Here is excuse number thirteen of the fifteen I’ve heard over the years: “The church has done terrible things to people.” To this I say, “Yes, it has.” I myself have been a vocal critic of the harm done by many religious groups. It saddens me to think about it and I see no sense in whitewashing this. In the... Read more