my heart awakens like the unfurling petals and leaves around me, brightens like pink and white cherry blossoms splashed over green leaves and blue sky yet hunger lingers in my soul, builds and grows like the neighborhood creek after these spring storms, a thirst for the vigor of its waters: full and flowing, energy bursting through distractions and weariness to follow after and follow through to the oasis of ultimate satisfaction and perfect rest— the kind of thirst that does not stop until I find it: the presence of God it is, vitally, the meaning of Easter the gift of the Resurrection: God’s...

An orange spark appears on the horizon, gently growing, brighter, rounder, until the fully risen sun casts its fire over the ocean. Sanderlings dance on the shoreline, dashing their feet into the edge of the watery universe, then charging with gusto away from it. They make no apology, only thrilling at daybreak, basking in life and breath and fresh ocean air, doing their part, occupying their space with natural beauty, with their own significance. I watch the birds and their breakfast exercise against the magnificent backdrop of sunrise. I am taking a respite from winter and work and routine, savoring...

It is January. I stand alone in the quiet woods on the hilltop, its peace distilling my spirit. Last year I discovered this hidden place, accessible through my own secret path beyond trails that dead-end uphill next to a park. It was one of the unexpected gifts of 2020, and I have come here now for the first time in 2021. I have learned much from the trees over the past year, wandering through the woods alone, in constant contemplation and communication with my Creator, favorite pen and journal stashed in a small bag across my shoulder. Today the trees stand naked in sunshine. Humble and exposed, all...

As the COVID-19 pandemic and global shutdown began to unfold in early 2020, I was already hearing people say they couldn’t wait for 2020 to be over. When April Fool’s Day rolled around, one publication reported a general sense that the entire year of 2020 has turned out to be a joke and everyone is the fool. Then May brought the tragic, unjust and racially motivated death of George Floyd, sparking protests and riots across America that have spread all over the world. As we begin the final quarter of the year, election season is upon us and will no doubt incite further national division and scathing...

In my little corner of the world, the earth is thick with spring. Delicate pink cherry tree petals cartwheel across sidewalks in the breeze. The grass deepens and yellow butterweed flourishes along the tree-lined creek bank. Early flowering honeysuckle emits its first glorious aroma into the cool afternoon air. But even as such beauty blooms, all across the globe, the world is thick with virus. As spring advances, so does the impact of the COVID-19 virus. The serenity of my creek-side nature walks over the past couple of weeks—both in my neighborhood and at my favorite little park, which is now...