Tag: philosophy
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After the Fall
We all make mistakes, Our hearts are duplicitous. We want what we shouldn’t and our hearts are divided. That sums up the human condition. We are an amalgam of imperfectability. But… That is a not a cry of pessimism or defeat. It simply means that sometimes we fall down. What we do after the fall…
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When It Stops Snowing
The moment I see snowflakes and the sky is a swirl with flurries my heart rejoices. I anticipate an onslaught of flakes not sure what will come or how long it will continue. I don’t access my weather app because that makes me think about snow. I just want to feel it. If it’s the…
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Reeds Do Bend
There is strength in flexibility. Aesop remarked on this paradox in his fable of the reed and the oak tree. His insight reveals the strength of the reed. Yes, the might oak is sturdy, strong, and tall, but the lowly reed survives the thrashing winds because it is pliant. Don’t be confused here. The reed…
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To Walk Away
When I think about walking, a destination usually comes to mind. Recently, though, my thoughts have wandered to the exact opposite–the idea of walking away, of leaving something behind. This image has sad and forlorn overtones. To leave a place or a person or a culture because it’s harmful or simply bad is to walk…
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The Earth and its Fullness
Who owns the earth? Ancient cultures assumed it was given to us by a caretaker from a spiritual realm. It makes sense. Surely they knew they didn’t create it, so it had to be bequeathed to them from someone. And here is where my story begins. From what I have read, we were given a…
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Hic et Nunc
“Here and now.” That’s where we are. Always. My novice master impressed upon me, “All that exists is the here and now.” Hence the phrase Hic et Nunc. These enduring words are so true, they form the motto of the Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, Maryland. A school dear to our…
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Where Do Souls Live?
As the details coalesce near the conclusion of the recent K-Drama Little Women, Oh In-ju, one of the three sisters whose life hangs by a thread, ponders who and what she really is. (Confession here: I’ve been hooked on Korean dramas and Sageuk since April.) In the empty room of a luxury high-rise apartment above…
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The Olive Tree
I flourish like an olive tree in the palace of God. (Psalm 51) The olive is an important symbol for three ancient religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Within its rich metaphorical tradition, the one I love the most is its sign of reconciliation and healing. Remember, the dove returned to the ark with an olive…
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The Toilsome Path
Truth to tell: this world is not perfect. Banished from the Garden of Eden, we must toil. Sure the Lord promises an easy yoke and a light burden, but keep in mind the promise of a yoke and a burden. The reality of being human sinks in at this point. ‘To make plain’ is to…
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A Ready Guest
A visitor’s arrival requires attention to detail. Think Abraham and Melchizedek, Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy, or your best friend. But a ready guest brings even more! You extend your best when someone calls, whether announced or serendipitous. A ready guest arrives with grace, regard, respect, and favor. This is one who can live in…
Richard Earenfight 