Consider the life cycle of a tree. A seed must be planted in good soil, watered, and tended. After a while, the inner contents of the seed begin to grow and expand, cracking its hard exterior and allowing a small shoot to sprout from the top, beginning its journey through the soil and towards the […]
One Good Word
In 2014, Time Magazine published an article titled “The One Word You Need to Stop Using Immediately.” Discussing the use of the word “hope” in the business world, they argued that it implies a lack of personal control [1]. According to this argument, hope is simply a desire for something to happen, lacking confidence, and […]
A Pure Foundation
One of professional baseball’s great pitchers is Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers. With over 2900 career strikeouts, Kershaw has been embarrassing opposing hitters for sixteen seasons [1]. What makes him a remarkable player is his arsenal of curve-oriented throwing techniques, which shift the speed and trajectory of the ball in ways that make […]
What to do with Despair?
Hidden from others I feel unknownHiding I am deliberately unknownI long to be knownYet, in despair, I hide “I wish someone would just stand up and scream.” His head dropped, and with folded hands he turned to me. “You see,” he continued, “we’re all just passing by each other. Someone needs to wake us up—right?” […]
Falling Away From God: An Over-Rationalization
Having a personal relationship with the Creator of the Universe is no small task. Like relationships between people, connecting with God takes a decent amount of work. Interpersonal connection takes effort to build something lasting and worthwhile for both parties. In many ways, most relationships are a sort of social or emotional trade. Being equals, […]
The Detour to Beauty
Henry David Thoreau was one of the most famous lovers of nature. Many of his works highlight his appreciation for the beauty of nature and the ways that it shapes his life and teaches him how to live. Thoreau said, “I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield […]