Author Archives: Jim Gleason

Every news report, almost every TV commercial, and most of my mail uses the phrase, “in these uncertain times”. If they don’t use that specific phrase, they will use one just like it. For example how many times have you heard or read “challenging circumstances” or “rapidly changing events” in recent days. In my 70Continue reading “Uncertain Times”

I have a practice of walking every morning. Because the weather is unpredictable, I check several sources before heading outside. When I first went outside this morning I thought I was overdressed. The temperature was warmer than expected and the air was calm. Thirty minutes later a strong wind came up and it was swirling.Continue reading “Sudden Winds”

Most people look forward to Spring. After the harshness of winter, the warmer temperatures and the chance to get ouside more is welcome. Flowers start to blossom, leaves return to trees, and the grass turns green again. What’s not to like? This year is different. We are called to shelter in place, stay home. WhatContinue reading “Spring”

The best thing about growing up in Southern California was access to the beach. I wasn’t a surfer, primarily because I couldn’t afford a surfboard. At least that was my public reason for not surfing. The real reason was probably that I had no real sense of balance. Regardless, I loved to go to theContinue reading “Waves”

At the time of this blog, all but nine states have issued a”shelter in place” or”stay home” order of some kind. We all hope and pray that this type of protection, along with others, has its desired effect of slowing and stopping the spread of the coronavirus. This got me thinking about what other kindsContinue reading “Shelter in Place”

As I write this we are at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Around the world lives have been dramatically impacted. Schools are closed and businesses are shuttered. Unemployment claims have skyrocketed. Thousands have died and hundreds of thousands have fallen ill from the virus. We are all asking questions. How long will the pandemicContinue reading “Upheaval”

If we are careful observers of people, we can see or hear them make several small invitations to us throughout the day. For example: The grocery clerk’s smile and happy countenance is an invitation to smile and enjoy the interchange, making both of our lives a little more pleasant. A smile and a hug fromContinue reading “Invitations From God”

I can make a legitimate claim to being an April Fool. I was born on April 1, 1950, seventy years ago today. Go ahead and tell me how my parents were fooled or one of many other jokes that I have heard over the years. In fact give it your best shot to try andContinue reading “April Fool”

You’ve heard it said that suffering or trouble reveals our true character. We’ve all seen or heard of heroic acts in the face of great danger. But we’ve also witnessed people fall apart at the slightest inconvenience, like the raged induced rants of someone for whom a pickle was inadverantly put on their hamburger atContinue reading “The Big Reveal”

Part of the problem that I have with retirement is what I call the struggle for significance. I believe that God endows our hearts with a desire to be significant in some way. Many of us try to satisfy that desire with money, food, attention or fame, friends or lovers, and/or success. I am sureContinue reading “The Struggle For Significance”