I grew up near the ocean and spent many days by the shore: swimming, sunbathing, walking, and listening to the sound of the waves. My love for the ocean has broadened into a deep delight of all kinds of water in God’s creation.  For me, spaces filled with water – oceans, rivers, lakes, streams – have become more than just places of beauty or fun. They are places where the sights and sounds draw me in to deep soul reflection, and I find in them many metaphors for my journey with God. Particularly when paddling in my kayak. A Sense of Discovery For me, kayaking provides a sense of discovery as I embark from the shore and allow myself to be enveloped in the beauty of God’s world. I silently paddle around inlets and explore coves, with no noise from a motor to distract me.  I see diving birds and waddling ducks.  I hear croaking frogs and I watch lily pads gently sway in the water. I listen to the breeze as it stirs through the pines.  Sometimes the vi...

Our lovable mutt, Heather, passed away a couple of years ago. We found her at a dog pound, adopted her into our family, and she nestled her way into our hearts and lives for the next 16 years. As I watched Heather express her unique, God-given personality, I learned a lot about the “ministry of presence”: one of the greatest gifts that God’s creatures can give to each other. I define the ministry of presence as being aware of – and paying attention to - what’s happening in the moment with those around us. This is something that dogs excel at. God has created them to fully live in the moment, observing – and responding to – the moods and tone of those they love.  This was abundantly true of Heather. When I was happy, she would wag her tail or even jump around with excitement. When I was afraid, she would growl or bark. When I was sad or in pain, she would sit close by my side and sometimes lick my hand or cheek. In short, Heather was continually ready to demonstrate her lov...

I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn’t be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own,  and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs  that you do not simply like them,  but truly love them. Henri Nouwen Nouwen, a renowned theologian and pastor, highlights the importance of something called, “the ministry of presence”, something that every Christian can offer. Yet so often we miss the opportunities that God brings our way.  How might this display itself? By letting our attention drift when someone talks to us, by impatience with explanations, impatience with children, impatient with those who interrupt us, impatient so we interrupt others. In short – we focus on ourselves. On our time, our tasks, our priorities. The ministry of presence invites us to resist such responses, and instead focus on the other person and his or her needs. We know this is possible, because our mo...