Craziness. To think anyone would want to know…to think you have a chance of reaching anyone in this world of a billion messages a second (or whatever)…to think you possibly have any hope of expressing that which is inexpressible. But not inaccessible. Dallas Willard told John Ortberg (two christians I admire): “Don’t hurry. “ So that’s what I’ve been trying to do, writing-wise. I don’t want to write for money or fame or ego or duty—I want to declare what is most clear and most precious to me. I’m at the point that I have to share what I’ve learned (always still learning)—interpret what I have observed—give credit where credit is due—or I’ll wither.
Love. Love God and your neighbor. Simplest formula ever. But all you have to do is concentrate on applying the formula into every moment of your daily existence, and it becomes the most complex, confounding, convoluted strategy imaginable. And yet, the formula always applies and always works. Try it for a day, try it for an hour—you’ll admit you fell short. No problem. Confess and press on to the upward calling. You always get to start again.
Humility. Man, I struggle with that one. Thinking I am humble is one of the most egocentric thoughts in thoughtdom. As soon as you try to be humble, pride is involved. I can’t master it—my sneaky self is always in there trying to improve his image. I think I’ve learned this much: you don’t get humility looking at yourself.
Hope. That might come out egotistical—that I hope I can help you. But I do. And how do I hope to help you? By inspiring you to do good. As I hope you inspire me. Goodness improves every situation. It is doable every moment of your life. If you’re not doing good, you’re preparing to do it. Even if you’re not doing anything, you can pray (or think positive thoughts, if you prefer) for others. And it will always have its effect—good will promote more good. It’s the secret to changing the world.
Obedience. I’ve had trouble with that word my entire christian walk. The thought lurks within my inner self: no one can tell me what to do. God never tells me what to do. He only points me in the direction of what I should do. I got a Facebook notification recently, in response to one of those “Name a teacher who affected your life” kind of surveys. A former student wrote “Mine was…Dallin Malmgren. Saved my life. Literally. Love him and all teachers who truly connect with kids.” She had written an autobiography in my creative writing class which indicated she was suicidal. Call it an instinct or an intuition or the voice of God—I intervened. She got treatment and got better. (This is not to toot my own horn—I suspect that I probably ignored tons of other cries for help in the course of my career.) But in that case I believe I listened to God and it helped someone. Now I believe God wants me to write again. I’m listening.
Finally, diversity. I gotta do more than just play golf.
Dallin, you are quite a prolific writer. Upbeat, positive and heartfelt. I enjoy reading your posts.
Brooke
Thank you, Brooke! You’re in one that’s coming up. I’ll email you when.
Love this. And you. You continue to inspire me. I too will write soon!
Carie
Thank you for the encouragement, Carie! It was a step of faith this time–but it’s hard to describe how good it feels to be doing it again. Say a prayer and jump back in!
We discussed this in your visit to Toronto, but I do think confidence can be misconstrued as ego or arrogance. And confidence is important. I enjoy my life much more when I’m confident. People enjoy me more when I’m confident. I enjoy others more when they are confident. So, how does humility fit into all of this and how can I be less egotistical and still have confidence. Something I’ve been thinking about since your visit…
Dallin, you confirm my admiration every time we are together, and now again through your written word. Thanks for writing.
thank you, steve! that does inspire me. can’t wait to get together and play golf again!
Yes! I’ve always admired you. Didn’t always show it, but its true
Thanks, Jeannette. Actually, you were one of the most respectful students I can remember. You and Anne are way up there on my favorite twin list. And I think it is so cool you married Kenny Truitt.
❤️❤️❤️
Glad you are diversifying! Looking forward to reading more!
hey, roechelle…i appreciate you reading me. you’re in one of my future ones! (i’ll let you know in advance)
Welcome back
glad to be back.
I love reading your words Dallin. Don’t stop writing and sharing. It inspires me. I often feel like I’m sitting in the room with you, having a conversation. Also I like the way you think and sometimes learn new things like “thoughtdom” and I appreciate that. ~A.
Thanks, Annalisa…my goal is to be half as inspiring as your artwork! Can’t wait for August!
Always great to read your writing?❤️
Thank you Missie! It is thrilling to know someone you taught 30 odd years ago is still interested!
Glad to see you are writing again. I thinks it’s good for you. And you are a good writer. — N