Finding the pearl of great price True fulfillment comes from pursuing our highest aspirations. These opportunities require significant sacrifice. Of course, wisdom is required to discern which risks are reasonable to achieve fulfillment. Not every buried treasure leads to positive ends. Life is, by nature, uncertain. We cannot expect to achieve greatness without discomfort or […]
The conversation of Oppenheimer and Einstein Oppenheimer is not an easy watch, but I loved it. Highly recommended. This short reflection contains spoilers. How tragic would it be if the obra maestra of the world’s most intelligent thinkers leads to the creation of a weapon that can destroy humanity? The final theme of the film […]
Of discovering potential and maximizing them When I reflect about the things it took for me to be where I am now, I cannot help but pay attention to how lucky I am to have been supported and mentored in my personal, school, and professional life. I find it impossible to “repay the favor” (what […]
The responsibility of those who have understood When we finally come to understand something meaningful – a truth, a lesson, a new perspective – it carries with it a certain responsibility. We can’t simply gain insight and then continue on unchanged without putting it into action. Understanding imparts knowledge, and knowledge comes with an obligation […]
When it feels that God is absent When we feel distant from God or question where He is in difficult times, it can shake our faith to the core. However, it is in these lonely moments that we must cling to the beliefs that provide our foundation. Choosing what is right in the midst of […]
The trap of hearing without seeking to understand It’s easy to fall into the trap of hearing what someone says without making an effort to truly understand their perspective. We’ve all been guilty of half-listening while someone is speaking and simply waiting for our turn to respond. However, when we don’t take the time to […]
Smithing words: Gifts that keep on giving insights and meaning Smithing words is a craft that requires patience and care. An insightful phrase can be a gift that keeps on giving, illuminating new perspectives each time it’s unwrapped. The blacksmith reheats and reshapes metal into useful forms. A writer can rework words and shape ideas […]
What makes us fertile soil? What makes soil rich and fertile? It’s the blend of organic matter, minerals, air and water that enables plants to sink their roots deep and grow tall. Soil’s richness derives from the unglamorous dirt it mixes with. People are similar. Richness of character also requires blending with the rough, dirty […]
Seeking to bite more than we can chew Why do we so often try to take on more than we can handle? Sometimes it comes from a healthy desire to push our limits and grow. When we challenge ourselves with tough goals, we can surprise ourselves with how much we can accomplish. But other times, […]
The trap of seeking (wrong) signs It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeking out evidence that confirms our existing beliefs rather than challenging them. We tend to surround ourselves with people and information that reinforce our worldview. When we come across facts that don’t fit our narrative, our first instinct is often to […]