Confession: Day 21 / March 9, 2018 by Jeff Tacklind

This week we used one of our big trash pickups. We only get a couple of these per year, so it is always wise to make the most of them. We got rid of a couple old pieces of furniture, our worn-out mattress (Thanks Randy Lake for the new one!), and all those various odds and ends that just sort of collect over time. They pile up on the side of our house in all of out of sight corners. Things that we hold on to because we might, one day, need them. And in the meantime, they deteriorate rapidly. They rust and collect spiders. They get covered with a film of dust and disuse. And the clutter does more than just take up useful space. It becomes an eyesore.

Flat Spells: Day 20 / March 8, 2018 by Jeff Tacklind

We're twenty days into Lent, but for surfers, we’ve been fasting for months. It has seriously been one of the worst winters for California surfers that I can remember. Not only are there no waves, but the anticipated forecast is dismal. It has been flat, and the outlook going forward isn’t getting any better. At least for the next few weeks to come.

Direction: Day 19 / March 7, 2018 by Jeff Tacklind

Today I have my monthly spiritual direction appointment. And although it has been clearly marked on my calendar for some time, it still caught me off guard. Thankfully, I received a text reminder this morning from Lynn. Because today I’m jumping from one meeting to the next. All good things, but hardly a pause in between. Life can be so full.

Blessing: Day 18 / March 6, 2018 by Jeff Tacklind

This last Sunday we did a baby dedication for Kaia. This is one of my most favorite things to do as a pastor. But it isn’t something I do alone. We do it. As a church we bless this little child with our whole hearts. We bless her with all the goodness of God we can put forth.

New Wine: Day 17 / March 5, 2018 by Jeff Tacklind

My very favorite words of Scripture are the red letters; the words that Jesus, himself, spoke. We’re studying through the gospel of Luke on Sunday mornings at my church, and it is always so centering to read the teaching and actions of Jesus. They are so deep and provocative. They often leave me with more questions than answers, but the questions are somehow more satisfying. The layers just keep going deeper and deeper.

Disruption: Day 16 / March 3, 2018 by Jeff Tacklind

Today it rained on our parade. Literally. In one of the driest years of California’s history, we just so happened to get hit with a storm at the exact time the Patriot’s Day Parade was beginning in Laguna. What are the odds?

Caring Too Much: Day 15 / March 2, 2018 by Jeff Tacklind

I have grown up not trusting my emotions. Because they seem to have a mind of their own. They can even betray you. They can cause deep pain and suffering. They must be managed. At times, kept at bay. Sometimes just plain ignored. Because they have this tendency to not behave properly. They speak up at all the wrong times and say all the wrong things. The stronger the emotion, the greater the risk. The more you care, the more you can be hurt.

Qualia: Day 14 / March 1, 2018 by Jeff Tacklind

I love the smell of Jasmine. This time of year, our vine erupts with color and fragrance. Right now, it is covered with hundreds of tiny pink buds that will soon burst open with the most incredible aroma. When I walk past it in the mornings, I pause for a moment and take in the fullness of it. Sometimes I’ll even pick a flower and carry it with me on the way to Lila’s bus stop. I love the smell. It is so good for my soul.

Rest: Day 13 / February 28, 2018 by Jeff Tacklind

I have a tell that I’m going to admit to you all. It happens when I’m tired. When I’m in the middle of a conversation that is taking everything I have to stay with the person. I start to feel a yawn coming on. And not just a quick intake of air and a close of the eyes. No, it is one of those yawns where your mouth stretches open so wide you’re afraid of tearing the corners of your cheeks.

My Coach: Day 12 / February 27, 2018 by Jeff Tacklind

I didn’t want to write today. I told Patty that I was going to quit (I didn’t mean it, but sort of). Her response… “pssh, you’ve got this.”

And that’s all I needed to hear. Why? Because I believe it. More accurately, I believe her. Because she lives that phrase. Every. Day. That’s her mindset. And there is seriously no holding her back.

Learning: Day 11 / February 26, 2018 by Jeff Tacklind

I have so much to learn! This isn’t some acclamation of false modesty. It is the plain, hard truth. I need to be a better leader, husband, father, and friend. I need to get over some past hurts and overcome some lingering fears and insecurities. I need to grow!

Simplicity: Day 10 / February 24, 2018 by Jeff Tacklind

I love ideas. One of my top strengths in the Strengths Finder Inventory is called Ideation. They define ideation like this… “People who are especially talented in the Ideation theme are fascinated by ideas. They are able to find connections between seemingly disparate phenomena.”

This is so true! Disparate ideas are like this beautiful chorus of voices singing in surround sound in my mind.

Speaking Truth: Day 9 / February 23, 2018 by Jeff Tacklind

I’m a classic over thinker. It shows up any time I stick my neck out there. I worry. I over analyze. And I constantly second guess myself.

And any time I speak out, I regret it. Sometimes for hours afterwards. I feel over extended. Like I foolishly revealed more than I should have.

Hidden Giants: Day 8 / February 22, 2018 by Jeff Tacklind

Yesterday I got to meet one of my heroes. Her name is Krista Tippet, and she is one of the deepest people that I know. I say ‘know’ loosely, because I only just met her, and our personal interaction lasted all of 3 minutes. But in a sense, I do know her, at least her voice, through hours of interviews on her NPR podcast, On Being.

Old Friends: Day 7 / February 21, 2018 by Jeff Tacklind

Yesterday I ended up having lunch with one of my oldest friends, Tim. We’ve known each other since 7th grade, spent a couple years of college rooming together, worked a few summers together at Forest home, were best men in each other’s weddings, have climbed numerous peaks and mountains together, and have continued to keep in touch to this day.

Creative Space: Day 6 / February 20, 2018 by Jeff Tacklind

I’m both fascinated and flummoxed by inspiration. At times it comes rushing in like a river, and other times feels bone dry. Writers and artists have all sorts of different means of tapping into their creativity. Some are structured and regimented, others whimsical and even superstitious. I find myself somewhere in between.

Snow Days! Day 5 of Lent / February 19, 2018 by Jeff Tacklind

This morning I awoke to snow! I’m staying for a couple nights at my friend’s cabin to get some writing done. I packed everything I thought I needed…pens, journals, laptop. What I failed to bring was a jacket and snow chains.

Your Shield is not Your Own: Day 4 / February 17, 2018 by Jeff Tacklind

To guard my heart leaves hers exposed. But hers is the heart I’ve vowed to protect. And when I pour all my strength into protecting her heart, my insecurities shrivel. It awakens in me something deeper and nobler. My heart grows more courageous.

The Courage to Connect: Day 3 / February 16, 2018 by Jeff Tacklind

The deepest moments in life happen in heartfelt connection with others, that is almost beyond dispute. But to do so requires courage. Courage to be seen. Courage to lower our guard. To risk rejection. To face the reality of being overlooked.

Ashes: Day 2 / February 15, 2018 by Jeff Tacklind

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday. It is a sacrament that goes back hundreds of years in Christian tradition, but only a few years in my own faith journey. My first experience of it was visiting St. Catherine’s, here in town, and simply participating in their beautiful service. I found the whole thing so moving.