My friend Adrian brings this great story to the web. We’re not actually friends, but I saw him on stage once, so that counts for something.
Enjoy my friend Adrian…
Adrian Plass on Temptation
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Al Jawala
A week ago, I was exploring some of Istanbul, behind the hotel we were staying in. A band was setting up for a street performance: Two guys drumming, a bass player, and two saxophones. They proceeded to put out some of the most energetic music I’d heard in a long time–very cool sound.
I’m not convinced that the video above is nearly as cool as what I heard that day, but if you care for more, you can start your hunt here.
If You Need Anything
A spiritual seeker interrupted a busy life to spend a few days in a monastery.
“I hope your stay is a blessed one,” said the monk who showed the visitor to his cell. “If you need anything, let us know and we’ll teach you how to live without it.”
Efficiency… Really?
A bit I read today…
When a journalist asked Thomas Merton to diagnose the leading spiritual disease of our time, the monk gave a curious one-word answer: Efficiency.
Why?
“From the monastery to the Pentagon, the plant has to run… and there is little time or energy left over after that to do anything else.”
Hmm.
A part of me feels what he’s describing. Another part of me says, “Yeah, but what do you suggest?” A third part of me just says, “Jay, take this much to heart–make sure you spend yourself on what you deem most worthwhile. If you don’t, how you get spent will be determined by forces outside of yourself. And these forces are not likely to care whether they’re lining up with your Maker’s wishes for your life or not. You’ll have to exercise that control yourself.”
Any part of you responding to Mr. Merton?
Small and Not-So-Small Things
Returning home after time away always makes me appreciate some things…
- Our home is wonderfully comfortable.
- My own bed is a treat.
- My own shower has something about it too.
- I love drinking milk, which seems harder to find in nearly every place I travel.
- It’s a luxury to be able to drink tap water.
- The cool air here felt heavenly after three weeks of baking–I realize this one may cause debate!
- This city is just the right size and speed for my liking.
- My beautiful wife always becomes more beautiful while I’m gone.
- My little girl is cuter than when I left–and she was cute before!
I am blessed in a million ways, and I know it–especially each time I come home.