We Never Close

We Never Close

I had arrived back in Georgia. Responding to texts, feeling exhausted, anxious to drive the 104 miles home, I glanced around the shuttle late Saturday afternoon. These words surprised me: “We Never Close.” PreFlight Parking informed passengers they never close. And I...
in this place of now

in this place of now

in athens,the town i’ve visitedfor bookstores and ball gamesand meals and movies,i sat and walked andstood and prayedin a hospital, watchinglife’s conclusion and introduction,staring as livesenter and exit. i imagined sitting on afront porch with the twoof them...
early morning

early morning

From embracing now: pain, joy, healing, living. an early morning walk.thankfulness and appreciationand wonder.a rising sun reminding me ineeded sunglasses—mynormal companion.seeing the remainsof a tiny snakein his failed attemptto cross the street.thinking,...
1 Corinthians 13, the Maxwell Version

1 Corinthians 13, the Maxwell Version

From the book Pause for Pastors: Finding Still Waters in the Storm of Ministry  If I speak in public with excellence, and teach groups with brilliance, but I fail to love others, I’m of no value. If a prophetic utterance flows through my mouth, if dynamic sermons...
Relationships Matter

Relationships Matter

This morning I’m remembering. Remembering people and events and conversations. Remembering people who influenced my life in positive ways. Remembering friends willing to endure a relationship with me. Not just for days or trends, jobs or moods. For seasons. For years....