Category Archives: Stories

Balancing the Impossible

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

I’m becoming wary of my false self and its admirable intentions. Now, when I think about doing something good, I ask myself why I’m doing it. Is it to enhance my reputation, bring personal gain, or help me feel good? Or am … Continue reading →

Posted in False Self, Ignatian Spirituality, Poverty of Spirit, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged Burning Bush, David L. Fleming SJ, Esther Hizsa, false self, Ignatian Sprititual Exercises, Luke 1:37, Mark 10:17-31, Micahel Cook, Principle and Foundation, spiritual direction, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Stories of an Everyday Pilgrim | Leave a comment

Gravity

Posted on September 25, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

“I’ve looked at your x-rays, and your teeth are fine,” the dentist said. “That toffee didn’t do any harm?” I read the look on his face. “I worry too much,” I said. He nodded. He’s right. I do worry too much. I … Continue reading →

Posted in False Self, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged Esther Hizsa, false self, gravity, John 12;32, Jupiter, LLacertae, moon, mystical elegance, Night skies, planets, Sharen, spiritual direction, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Stories of an Everyday Pilgrim, Thomas Bresson | 3 Comments

Life by Way of Mistakes

Posted on September 18, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

“Sell the painting that’s worth the most,” I coached our eight-year-old grandson. Methodically, he lifted each small masterpiece in front of him and peeked under them to see their value. He passed over a Cézanne, which I knew was worth ten million dollars because he … Continue reading →

Posted in Poverty of Spirit, Stories, Wednesday Lunch Club | Tagged Basket of Apples, Esther Hizsa, James 3:2, Jayber Crow, mistakes, Paul Cézanne, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Stories of an Everyday Pilgrim, Wednesday Lunch Club, Wendell Berry | Leave a comment

Pilgrim in a Dark Wood

Posted on September 11, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

From the crest of the hill, I could see my book aglow in the distance, ready to be purchased at a click. But to get there I would have to travel through the dreaded Valley of Publication. Thankfully, I found good companions … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflections | Tagged Andrea Dunbar, Christian Gauthier, Dark Autumn Woods, Esther Hizsa, Foggy Forest, Isaiah 42:16, Jayber Crow, love mischief, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Stories of an Everyday Pilgrim, Wendell Berry | 1 Comment

A Deep Wisdom

Posted on September 4, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

Publishing the posts Being “That Woman” and God in the Dark: Theory left me feeling quite vulnerable to people’s reactions. Reason reminded me that God was with me, and I would be fine. But the little girl in me saw thick walls of … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflections | Tagged Basheer Tome, Dustin Gaffke, Esther Hizsa, Ethical Bean Coffee, Golden Coast, Julian of Norwich, Kim Schachte, Lloyd Bernhardt, Nan C. Merrill, Psalms for Praying, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Stories of an Everyday Pilgrim, Wave Coast, Wonderlane | 1 Comment

God in the Dark: Practice

Posted on August 28, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

Here is the sequel to last week’s story, “God in the Dark: Theory,” which took place seven years ago while I was taking SoulStream’s Art of Spiritual Direction course. After my spiritual direction session in class, I felt light. That picture of … Continue reading →

Posted in Humour, Stories, Stories of an Everyday Pilgrim | Tagged Abbotsford, Dewolfs, Esther Hizsa, Flat, God in the Dark: Practice, Most friendly bus driver in Vancouver, Sanpani, SouStream, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | 4 Comments

Being “That Woman”

Posted on August 14, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

Am I afraid to be ordinary? It’s fun watching people who don’t know me come alive when I give a talk or facilitate a group. Before that moment, I blend into the crowd (in the photo above, I’m the short one in … Continue reading →

Posted in Poverty of Spirit, Reflections | Tagged Brene Brown, Daring Greatly, Dustin Gaffke, Ecclesiasticus 14:2, Esther Hizsa, fear of being ordinary, man fully alive, Martin Hricko, narcissism, Philippians 4:19, Psalm 139:13-14, Pure Joy, Rumi, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, the golden dream, The Guest House | 5 Comments

Surfin’ USA

Posted on August 7, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

Here’s a story I wrote a few years ago that was published in the MB Herald. It’s also in my book, Stories of an Everyday Pilgrim, which will be available this fall. Fred and I sat contented on the beach and listened to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Humour, Stories, Stories of an Everyday Pilgrim | Tagged Dustin Gaffke, Esther Hizsa, Fred Hizsa, Harry Frehner, Manzanita, Oswald West State Park, Paul Hamilton, Ron Frehner, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, surfing | 3 Comments

God Is So Beautiful

Posted on July 3, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

“Ever since I was twelve years old, I have been deeply moved by beauty,” a friend wrote in response to a recent post. “When I take my morning coffee out onto the back deck, I am surrounded by so many shades of … Continue reading →

Posted in Creation, Reflections | Tagged Beauty, Beauty: The Invisible Embrace, Craig Allen, Esther Hizsa, Isaiah 6:3, John O'Donohue, Peace in a leaf, Psalm 27:4, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Strawberry #2, Tenacity8fear | 1 Comment

Hidden Beauty

Posted on June 26, 2015 by Esther Hizsa

“You have a beautiful smile,” someone said. “I love your laugh,” I heard another say a few days later. “You exude beauty!” a friend told me, looking right into my eyes. I could hardly take it in. They were talking about me … Continue reading →