Things I Do

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

—Matthew 22:36–39

After my conversation with Denise, I started keeping two lists: things I do and things I don’t do.

The first list came pretty easily.

Above all else, I try to keep my faith in Christ at the center of my life, the heart and source of everything.

I do everything I can to make my marriage a deeply connected partnership.

I give the best of my heart and energy to raising our sons.

I work hard to become a better writer, to tell the truth as best I can, the story of who God is and what he does.

I read a lot: novels, essays, magazines, cookbooks, and the Bible.

I live in daily, honest, intimate community with a small group of people. I give my time, energy, and prayer to my family and close friends.