Behind every word is a story if we are willing to attend. Helen Luke is on to something. Attention is the key to connection. And attention is NOT the one-way responsibility of the perceiver. No, it is incumbent on the person putting the word on the page to attend—to purpose, to tone and to “other.” This is true whether you’re talking about your mission, writing a letter to your lover or crafting a poem to be set adrift in a corked bottle.

Your Turn. What’s taken you by surprise?

Nate reminded me of this on October 22. “Holy Armageddon” Now there’s a thought.