Mary van Balen

Writing keeps me “wide awake” as I move through life. Writers, I tell my students, are ordinary people who examine closely, who notice what is around them. Writers learn to “see” deeply, not only the physical world in which they live, but also the invisible connections that bind people and places together with the sacred in their midst. Those who choose or who are compelled to record what they experience in journals, books, and articles, who capture some bit of creation’s glory or ruin, human dignity or depravity, have the sacred trust of witnessing to that fragment of truth. They invite others to look for a moment through the eyes of words, to see the familiar in a new way.

No matter how great or small one’s gift for translating experience into words, all efforts serve the greater work of bringing peace through common understanding and appreciation for one another and for creation that stretches beyond our sight into darkness.

Since my youth, I have been a writer. Sometimes I am more faithful to the trust than at other times. My contibution to the greater work is small, but I take heart knowing it is something I have been given to do.

For over twenty years, I have written a monthly column exploring the divine presence in everyday life. My books, too, reflect the recognition that, as Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote: earth's crammed with heaven. I conduct days of reflection, retreats, and facilitate small group prayer and conversation.

This work of “seeing,” reflecting, and sharing the fruits of both, leads naturally into another facet of my work: I am an educator. Whether working with elementary students, adults eager to earn a GED, or university theology students, I enjoy sharing enthusiasm (both theirs and mine) for life and learning.

Would you like to schedule an event for your parish or group? Do you have questions or comments about my books, columns, or blog? Just click on "Contact" at the top of the page, and I will respond to your email.