It’s Sunday morning--sunny, cool, and windy. Pleasant weather for an early walk to the nearby community garden to check on the raised bed I share with a friend. Listening to a psalm, I have a little one-on-one time with God: Grassy meadow next to the community garden in my neighborhood Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

I recently read Listening to God in Times of Choice by Gordon T. Smith. The wisdom it contains is profound, and I’m continually amazed at the deep insight we’ve been given through gifted writers, both now and in times past. Two words in particular stuck with me— consolation and desolation. These are ancient terms with depths of meaning beyond my ability to describe. Spiritual teaching pertaining to these themes is available for those who want to pursue it. My intention is to