Tag: Dohle
Alleviation
Came to work on Sunday last to find out that Jerome had a slip the night before; at about 8PM. I was surprised to hear about it so late, sense I am supposed to be notified immediately if such an occurrence happens. So I figured that since it was a turned ankle, the nurse assistant… Read More ›
Late call
It was Saturday night when my beeper went off and it had the 911 code on it. So I called into the floor to see what was going on. Janice (not her real name) was very apologetic about waking me, but she said: “Mark, I have a family emergency and need to go home”. So… Read More ›
The man with the prayer-shawl
Compline is our last prayer service (or divine office) of the day. It is at 7:30 and probably the most beautiful of our services. We pray the same prayers for Compline every night, so during the time of the year when the days are shorter it is sung in the dark. It is also for… Read More ›
Stay in the boat, ride it out
People will often tell me how frustrating it is for them to pray. I understand of course. Some days the inner world is like a placid lake, on other days it is like a storm on the Red Sea. Yet all we need do is stay in the boat and ride it out. Sometimes Jesus… Read More ›
Life changes and the embracing of hope
There are many joys in life. For me, family, friends and the community I live in are the greatest, for they last a lifetime. True, relationships can be difficult, but imagine life without them. Perhaps one of the greatest tests we all must face is the loss of those we love and cherish. Living in… Read More ›
Life changes and the embracing of hope
There are many joys in life. For me, family, friends and the community I live in are the greatest, for they last a lifetime. True, relationships can be difficult, but imagine life without them. Perhaps one of the greatest tests we all must face is the loss of those we love and cherish. Living in… Read More ›
Why do people come here on retreat?
One day a young woman came into to the retreat house to inquire about coming here for a few days. She had never been on retreat and was wondering if it would be good for her to do so. So she asked me if it was a good idea for her to come. After a… Read More ›
What makes a place holy?
People go to Monasteries for many reasons. Many are tourist and have their own personal reactions to what they see. For some it is a curiosity, sort of like going to Stone Mountain, or some other site of interest, with each visitor having their own unique take on what they allow in. Some people find… Read More ›
Alone before God
We all carry the monk archetype in our souls A man came to me and asked me why the monastery was so important to him. He went on to say that when he is here staying at our retreat house, he feels at peace and more centered. However when he leaves it seems to go… Read More ›
People on the fringe
When speaking about people who are on the fringe we will all think of different types of individuals. People on the fringe for me are ‘normal’, just a little further out than most of us are. They can be very interesting, lovable as well as irritating and very difficult to communicate with. Yet most of… Read More ›