Hello Friends and Fellow Seekers of the Good True Beautiful!
Here are 5 Trails I’ve Been Exploring Recently:
READING: If you’re looking for a lovely escape (and fascinating learning experience) this is it: the Astounding Secrets of Scotland’s Stone Age Settlements, just out from Smithsonian Magazine this month. P.S. Don’t let the title fool you. I was mesmerized. And no, it wasn’t just because I love Scotland. (Though I do love Scotland. So that was definitely a bonus.)
LISTENING: Never in a thousand years did I think I would ever hear Tim Ferriss and Elizabeth Gilbert gush about the spiritual practice of Listening Prayer for two hours straight. But that’s pretty much what happens in this interview from Tim’s podcast. And it is magnificent.
WATCHING: STAR WARS: Skeleton Crew on Disney+. Another escapist delight, this 8-episode kid-centered space adventure reconnected me to the magic and wonder that hooked me on Star Wars in the first place. Don’t let the fact that it’s geared for kids put you off. It’s a fun story, skillfully told. The kids are all terrific actors, and Jude Law…well, let’s just say he’s in it, too, and he’s good.
SEEING: It did my heart good to spend some time lingering over these stunning photos of Notre Dame, restored to her glory. Like my mentor, John O’Donohue always said: “Beauty is not a luxury.” Seeing the wonder of this cathedral confirms that truth to me again. I’m grateful for the hundreds (thousands?) of skilled craftsfolk who worked so tirelessly to bring her back.
PONDERING: From my most recent post here on substack, this one’s been on my mind a lot these last few weeks: “Let us in all the troubles of life remember — that our one lack is life — that what we need is more life — more of the life-making presence in us making us more, and more largely, alive. When most oppressed, when most weary of life, as our unbelief would phrase it, let us bethink ourselves that it is in truth the inroad and presence of death we are weary of. When most inclined to sleep, let us rouse ourselves to live. Of all things let us avoid the false refuge of a weary collapse, a hopeless yielding to things as they are. It is the life in us that is discontented; we need more of what is discontented, not more of the cause of its discontent.” — George MacDonald
What new trails have you been exploring lately? Share them with me in the comments!
Until next time!
Michael
BONUS TRAIL: After serving the past several years and hundreds of souls as a private hospice chaplain and leadership mentor, my long time friend and fellow sojourner Tim Pynes recently decided to relaunch his spiritual direction practice and begin taking on 1-on-1 spiritual direction clients again. This is great news! If you’ve been hungering for a deeper connection with God, I highly recommend you grab 30 minutes with Tim and tell him all about it. He’s got decades of experience and training, and is a master at helping people connect more deeply with God. You’ll find the link to sign up for the free 30-minute call on his website: www.timpynes.com.
