Todd Stocker's Blog, page 2

Love The Ebb And Flow

Lounging at the river is always life-giving to me. The rhythmic thump of the small waves on the shore almost put me to sleep. I’m sure you can hear them through these words. The river has ebb and flow, the recurrent or rhythmical pattern of coming and going or decline and regrowth. Ebb and flowContinue reading "Love The Ebb And Flow"

Service At Panera Bread

Have you ever been served distinctively by someone outside of your home? It doesn’t have to be a big, momentous occasion. It doesn’t have to lead to your whole world changing in an instant. But you notice it. You feel it. You feel happier for it. Yesterday, I was at a local Panera Bread company,Continue reading "Service At Panera Bread"

Is Death A Part Of Life?

They say, “death is a part of life.” Sounds good, but I don’t believe it to be true. Death is death. It takes away. It leaves a whole. It rips people from your life that otherwise would continue to complete it. Death was not in the original plan. I would rephrase that statement to read,Continue reading "Is Death A Part Of Life?"

Confessions Of An Inept Father

Yesterday was Father's Day. For me, I've always enjoyed that day because it reminds me how inept I am as a dad.  Let me explain ...

The Freeway Picnicker And What I Learned

Have you ever seen someone having a picnic on the freeway? Have you ever stopped to see why? I did! Luke 10.

Life Is Better Together

For those who know, the first week of June is an emotional roller coaster for our family. Year after year, joy and grief take center stage in a dance that leaves us a bit exhausted. As we muddled through these past days, there was one truth that wouldn’t leave me: Life is better together. IContinue reading "Life Is Better Together"

What is “Amor Fati?”

Have you ever heard of the Latin phrase “Amor Fati?” It is a mindset employed by the Stoics like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, and it translates as “a love of fate.” It sounds gloomy. It sounds defeatist. But the Stoics, living by this principle, would see it as one of the keys to human greatness.Continue reading "What is “Amor Fati?”"

Tear Down To Build Up

Life involves a series of tearing down and building up. What in your life needs to be cleared away so that something new might emerge?

The Wise Old Woman At Target

Perspective can change your life. This was something I was taught between the cars in a Target parking lot.

Celebrate Birthdays! A Makenzie Post

Death takes away. But it can't take away my ability to celebrate my Makenzie's thirtieth birthday!