He thought about the story his daughter was living and the role she was playing inside that story. He realized he hadn't provided a better role for his daughter. He hadn't mapped out a story for his family. And so his daughter had chosen another story, a story in which she was wanted, even if she was only being used. In the absence of a family story, she'd chosen a story in which there was risk and adventure, rebellion and independence.

When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are. And when you stop expecting material possessions to complete you, you'd be surprised at how much pleasure you get in material possessions. And when you stop expecting God to end all your troubles, you'd be surprised how much you like spending time with God.

How disappointing would it be get to heaven and find out God created life to be enjoyed while all we did was worry?

I don't find anyone more noble than Jesus.

Meaning is something we experience more than we attain. It's like finding a nice, easy current in a river that carries you through life.

Telling the truth is the slow, mundane, difficult route to a meaningful life. Anything else is cheating.

Every day you live is a page. Every year, a chapter. Your life, a book. What is it about?