Thoughts, devotions, and more from Jeffrey K. Ross, author of "Next Step Devotions"
I forgot what day it was yesterday. The days blend one into the next so seamlessly here at The Abbey of Gethsemani that there really is no point in knowing which day of the week it is (except Sunday when the schedule is slightly different for worship, but the abbey’s bells would warn you of …
Continue reading Leap Year Lesson #89: You May Find Yourself When You’re Lost in the Present
The term “risk” seems to generally have a negative connotation in our society. “That’s too risky” is, of course, a commentary on the potential negative impact of something. Financial investments are frequently categorized in terms of a risk vs. potential reward framework. We try to convince children and teenagers to avoid risky behaviors that might …
Continue reading Leap Year Lesson #88: Risk More. Worry Less.
On the back wall of the Visitor’s Center at The Abbey of Gethsemani is a plaque with some wonderfully thought-provoking words written by G. K. Chesterton in Orthodoxy. During this beautiful springtime week in this quiet place of reflection, I was brought to tears by the thought expressed. Chesterton wrote: Because children have abounding vitality, …
Continue reading Leap Year Lesson #87: There is Beauty in a Child’s “Do It Again”
This afternoon while browsing in the gift shop at The Abbey of Gethsemani, I saw a simple gift item with a quote that I think is profound: “You cannot plow a field by turning it over in your mind.” The message is clear: If you want to accomplish something, you have to do more than …
Continue reading Leap Year Lesson #86: You Cannot Plow a Field By Turning It Over in Your Mind
As one who is almost always online - both at work and outside of work - stepping away from technology for any period of time is difficult for me. As I anticipate spending the next several days in a personal retreat at The Abbey of Gethsemani, I'm in a bit of a quandary over what …
Continue reading Leap Year Lesson #85: Unplugging Is Difficult
