Last week’s post focused on a recent Sierra trip; a lesson learned on distinguishing between good and bad, using the analogy of eating trout. But it also taught a lesson about paradoxes, two truths that at least seem to oppose one another—the concept of balance. Another metaphor, this one on choosing a campsite. (relevant even for non-campers!)
Read MoreFlawed Irony
About a week ago a FB friend posted, about how learning more made him more aware of how much he didn’t know. As an ornery contrarian, I semi-jokingly responded, “So learning leads to ignorance, right?” Thankfully, he got it, and we’re still friends. At the time though, I didn’t realize I had a similar post planned for this week, so let’s look at another angle of the principle…
Read MoreI Know Boats
Some time ago I sat in a harbor-side café, watching the seals cavorting on the docks, the boats bobbing with the gentle waves. Identifying the various styles and types, enjoying their beauty and the functionality. It came to mind that I know boats. But perhaps true knowledge requires something deeper…
Read More
image from yelp
Step Back, Step Up
Last spring while at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, I noticed an artist. Her easel set, she’d already begun to paint the flowers about 6 feet away. She paused, looked intently at the flowers, then returned to the canvas. Just a few moments later she stepped up within a foot of them, another pause, then back to painting. One more pause as she moved back 20 feet, then she shifted 5 feet to the right, and returned to her work. Why? She wanted…
Read More
A Startling God--With Practical Consequences
Jesus has startled me on more than once, but he likely maxed that out with “even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” OK, no jokes about me making God’s job easier. The first pic shows me at 27, with a red tank top and a full head of hair. The second shows me this year, how I’ve “gained face” over the years. Yeah, the times they have changed me. And while I don’t doubt Jesus meant this literally, it also serves as a greater metaphor. A greater metaphor with two primary facets …
Read More