Sam's Storybook

“it probably takes him the rest of his life to understand what had happened…” This was the last line in one of my favorite blog followings today. As someone who highly values understanding, this sentiment is striking. I’m not very old, but it seems like the older I get, the less I can hope to … Continue reading →

After re-watching Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind last night (which, may I suggest, you do the same – it’s a Netflix instant stream and an emerging classic), I was reminded of the powerful appeal to forget. The name of the movie is based on a poem called Eloisa to Abelard. The lines go: How happy is … Continue reading →

This quarter I am taking a directed study Seminary course on the art of reading the Bible. What I’ve come to see is that this practice also encompasses the art of being alive, of being human, and of living in relationship with others and the Other. In its simplest form I’m learning that an artful … Continue reading →

Bread goes through three transformations of life and death in the steps it takes to go from wheat to eat. The first is when seeds are harvested (a euphemism for death) in order to become wheat. The seeds contain potential for life and must be crushed in order to release that life. Next, the wheat, … Continue reading →

I get Seth Godin’s blog sent to my email every day.  (And if you don’t, you should!  Click on the Website tab of this page to find out how.)  Reading his blog is probably one of the most valuable daily routines I have. Today he asked the question – Seven years from now, what will … Continue reading →