This essay brought to mind the realization I had when telling my dad's life story to the officiants at his funeral. They'd only know him for a few years. I noticed that he'd be pursuing a goal, walking a path, and an obstacle would be thrown up. He'd find a way around it, and the goal or path might change, sometimes drastically, but he just kept on going.
Another person likened it to sailing across a lake. You want to go from Point A to Point B, but you're driven by the wind, so you may have to tack in a zig-zag fashion across the water to keep the sail full & the boat moving.
That's so beautifully put, Sara. Your dad sounds like someone I would have loved knowing. And his example is an awfully good one to follow. Thanks for sharing this
This really rings true to me. I feel that sense of waiting, but then I realize there is much work to be done within that space. Right now I think my thread’s job in this great big tapestry is adding very small, delicate stitches that pulls together the greater design. It doesn’t feel like I’m playing much of a part in The Story when I look at the day-to-day. But time will reveal the impact of these small acts.
I really love how you put that: “adding very small, delicate stitches that pull together the greater design.” Most days I don’t feel like I’m playing much of part either. And yet I believe that this is just a limit of my sight. Thanks DK
No. I've been on my PC all day. I do have the app on my cell phone but I generally can't keep track of what I'm doing on that little screen. I have pulled up this conversation on the app though.
I've got to get around to reading Rahner. This old/new thing I'm drawn to, studying and scholarship, has me creating a reading list. That will tell you how new this current spiritual journey is. Rahner is on that list and now has a checkmark next to it. I'm slowly making my way through Rick Rohr videos on YouTube. I knew him when he was in Cincinnati and New Jerusalem Community was only known by those of us in the general Charismatic community. Masses with him presiding were more than memorable. If I shut my eyes, I can be back sitting on the floor of the church because that's the only seat I could find. His Shepherd's voice rung clear and true. Once he went to New Mexico, his voice changed until I caught up with his work. Now I'm playing catch up. Video's will help me do that. So far, his Shepherd's voice has returned.
Gosh, I hardly know where to begin. Perhaps it's best just to say that he revitalized my interest in Franciscan theology: Bonaventure and Duns Scotus. That probably shows most clearly in a couple of my books: Looking for God in Messy Places, perhaps also in A Resurrection Shaped Life.
I know it was probably too much to ask how RR influences you, but its not fair using your books to get me to buy them to have my question answered. ;) How about using my email where you can go into more personal detail?
My tiny life happens inside my little, rented house and then inside of me like one of those Russian Nesting Dolls. Yep. My life is part of a much larger story but I don't know what that larger story is about.
I understand the attachment to the idea of authorship. It does help stress personal agency and responsibility. And yet I do find it ultimately limited for understanding our lives
I have spent a lot of time pondering free will - the fact that God gives us the right to choose what we do in this “one wild and precious life”. I’ve come to the conclusion that each decision we are faced with involves doing the loving thing vs. doing the not-so-loving thing. To me, following Jesus means choosing love above myself, the world, peer pressure, or lesser good things.
Hi Korie. The issue of free will "That allows us to choose love, but also to choose hate" is discussed in this deeply thoughtful post from Ukraine. I wondered if the link might be of interest to you, if you've not already read it. I value his perspective from such a challenging situation. "I Didn’t Find God in Church. I Found Him in War: A Glimpse of Hope" By Viktor Kravchuk (29-Jun-25). Link: https://viktorkravchuk.substack.com/p/i-didnt-find-god-in-church-i-found
What stood out was that God is the one carrying the wounded, strengthening those who endure war, always present - always Presence. I believe in the idea that God stands in solidarity with us as we suffer, enabling us to survive unimaginable evils. But many of us never witness or experience this - and war proves it beyond a doubt.
Thank you, Korie! You may already know that I'm the son of a holocaust survivor. I'm pretty sure that this has played a significant role in my own theology and spirituality.
at 67 I have come to the decision to do the things, however mundane they seem to others, that bring me joy….Not the perhaps proper socially cool things, but those I find rewarding…I think this is the sign of the Holy Spirit cajoling me into this precious life…God Bless.
Yes, thanks for sharing the Richard Rohr quote. I deeply believe that, even though my own awareness is so often absent or lacking. Your new email header looks very fetching, I noticed instantly when I opened the email, nice and clean, good size icon, eye-catching.. thumbs up from me! :D
This essay brought to mind the realization I had when telling my dad's life story to the officiants at his funeral. They'd only know him for a few years. I noticed that he'd be pursuing a goal, walking a path, and an obstacle would be thrown up. He'd find a way around it, and the goal or path might change, sometimes drastically, but he just kept on going.
Another person likened it to sailing across a lake. You want to go from Point A to Point B, but you're driven by the wind, so you may have to tack in a zig-zag fashion across the water to keep the sail full & the boat moving.
That's how he lived his life.
That's so beautifully put, Sara. Your dad sounds like someone I would have loved knowing. And his example is an awfully good one to follow. Thanks for sharing this
This really rings true to me. I feel that sense of waiting, but then I realize there is much work to be done within that space. Right now I think my thread’s job in this great big tapestry is adding very small, delicate stitches that pulls together the greater design. It doesn’t feel like I’m playing much of a part in The Story when I look at the day-to-day. But time will reveal the impact of these small acts.
I really love how you put that: “adding very small, delicate stitches that pull together the greater design.” Most days I don’t feel like I’m playing much of part either. And yet I believe that this is just a limit of my sight. Thanks DK
Thank you. You have become a part of my morning practice.
Thank you, Lynn. Would love to hear your thoughts and insights as we go along.
No. I've been on my PC all day. I do have the app on my cell phone but I generally can't keep track of what I'm doing on that little screen. I have pulled up this conversation on the app though.
use the icon at the bottom. I’ll check tomoy
How do I send a DM?
Are you using the app
I've got to get around to reading Rahner. This old/new thing I'm drawn to, studying and scholarship, has me creating a reading list. That will tell you how new this current spiritual journey is. Rahner is on that list and now has a checkmark next to it. I'm slowly making my way through Rick Rohr videos on YouTube. I knew him when he was in Cincinnati and New Jerusalem Community was only known by those of us in the general Charismatic community. Masses with him presiding were more than memorable. If I shut my eyes, I can be back sitting on the floor of the church because that's the only seat I could find. His Shepherd's voice rung clear and true. Once he went to New Mexico, his voice changed until I caught up with his work. Now I'm playing catch up. Video's will help me do that. So far, his Shepherd's voice has returned.
Rohr has been an important influence on me
Oh, please. Tell me about that influence.
Gosh, I hardly know where to begin. Perhaps it's best just to say that he revitalized my interest in Franciscan theology: Bonaventure and Duns Scotus. That probably shows most clearly in a couple of my books: Looking for God in Messy Places, perhaps also in A Resurrection Shaped Life.
I know it was probably too much to ask how RR influences you, but its not fair using your books to get me to buy them to have my question answered. ;) How about using my email where you can go into more personal detail?
Just shoot me an email or DM me with a question
I really liked this
Thanks Aussie Jo
My tiny life happens inside my little, rented house and then inside of me like one of those Russian Nesting Dolls. Yep. My life is part of a much larger story but I don't know what that larger story is about.
The theologian Karl Rahner once said that our life is an unfinished symphony as long as we live
Most people hear “your life is part of a larger story” and assume it means they’re a beloved chapter in God’s coffee-table book.
But if you actually pay attention, you’ll notice you’re just as likely to be a footnote, or a plot twist nobody saw coming. And that’s holy too.
The trick isn’t clinging to authorship. It’s noticing when the pen isn’t in your hand and still showing up in the scene like it matters.
I understand the attachment to the idea of authorship. It does help stress personal agency and responsibility. And yet I do find it ultimately limited for understanding our lives
I have spent a lot of time pondering free will - the fact that God gives us the right to choose what we do in this “one wild and precious life”. I’ve come to the conclusion that each decision we are faced with involves doing the loving thing vs. doing the not-so-loving thing. To me, following Jesus means choosing love above myself, the world, peer pressure, or lesser good things.
Hi Korie. The issue of free will "That allows us to choose love, but also to choose hate" is discussed in this deeply thoughtful post from Ukraine. I wondered if the link might be of interest to you, if you've not already read it. I value his perspective from such a challenging situation. "I Didn’t Find God in Church. I Found Him in War: A Glimpse of Hope" By Viktor Kravchuk (29-Jun-25). Link: https://viktorkravchuk.substack.com/p/i-didnt-find-god-in-church-i-found
Thank you so much!! I will greatly enjoy reading this piece!
I’m sorry to have made the assumption that it was your father. I bet your mom was an amazing woman.
No worries
Thanks Korie! If you’re so inclined, let me know what stood out for you
What stood out was that God is the one carrying the wounded, strengthening those who endure war, always present - always Presence. I believe in the idea that God stands in solidarity with us as we suffer, enabling us to survive unimaginable evils. But many of us never witness or experience this - and war proves it beyond a doubt.
Thank you, Korie! You may already know that I'm the son of a holocaust survivor. I'm pretty sure that this has played a significant role in my own theology and spirituality.
I did not know that, but it makes sense that your own spiritual formation would be influenced by your father’s experience. Bless you!
As I was revising this piece prior to posting Kierkegaard's title Either/Or came to mind.
Had to look it up… I don’t own that text. Aesthetic vs. ethical ways of life seems to be the subject. Either/or indeed!
There is actually a third way. A leap of faith results in a religious stage
I love that you have this knowledge of philosophy and share it in your writing.
Thanks Korie. I’m so glad you find it helpful
at 67 I have come to the decision to do the things, however mundane they seem to others, that bring me joy….Not the perhaps proper socially cool things, but those I find rewarding…I think this is the sign of the Holy Spirit cajoling me into this precious life…God Bless.
Yes, thanks for sharing the Richard Rohr quote. I deeply believe that, even though my own awareness is so often absent or lacking. Your new email header looks very fetching, I noticed instantly when I opened the email, nice and clean, good size icon, eye-catching.. thumbs up from me! :D
Thanks, Liz! You have such a good eye I take this as a huge compliment. And as you know Rohr has been one of my major influences