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Dr. Tom has been sharing refreshing, insightful essays on his Sunday Morning Cafe blog since 2009. Each Sunday, he brings his extensive experience from resilience research, counseling, and consulting to help you find more connection, meaning, and joy in life. We're so glad you're here to grow with this community!
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Comedy Roundup
Comedy isn't a distraction, it's a doorway. In this installment, SMC readers share their favorite picks.

Dr. Tom Wagner
May 11, 20255 min read


Seriously Funny: Uncovering the Sacred Roots of Humor
When a late-night comic and the Pope start saying the same thing, you listen. Read on to discover what their surprising agreement reveals about the connection between resilience and grace.

Dr. Tom Wagner
May 4, 20255 min read


A Touch of Easter in Every Laugh
What if every laugh—especially the ones that sneak in during sorrow—held a hint of resurrection? Discover how humor can carry you through the dark and into something deeper.

Dr. Tom Wagner
Apr 20, 20256 min read


Hip to Be Humorous: How laughing got me through surgery and why it is what you need today, too.
What if laughter was the key to overcoming stress? See how humor turned a pre-surgery panic into a powerful lesson in resilience.

Dr. Tom Wagner
Apr 13, 20254 min read


Wake Up Your Lizzie the Lion
Facing fear head-on leads to resilience and growth. What roar are you running toward?

Dr. Tom Wagner
Apr 6, 20253 min read


Co-habitating with Cobras & Other Common Human Experiences
How do you co-habitate with a cobra and not get bit? Discover spiritual reflections and practices for life’s toughest moments.

Dr. Tom Wagner
Mar 30, 20254 min read


How We Spent Our Spring Break Navigating “Small “g” grief.”
How do you navigate life's small "g" grief? Explore how noticing, naming, and nurturing can turn loss into new adventures.

Dr. Tom Wagner
Mar 22, 20255 min read


Pick Up the Call…Please.
Explore meaning, resilience, and connection through inspiring stories of everyday heroes. How do you listen for—and answer—your calling?

Dr. Tom Wagner
Mar 15, 20255 min read


The Road: Intentional Defiant Love.
In a world that can feel as bleak as Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, what does it mean to love—intentionally, defiantly, and against all odds?

Dr. Tom Wagner
Feb 22, 20254 min read


The Boundary of Freedom: Acceptance.
Ever felt stuck wishing life were different? A soggy trip to Ireland, a rocky marriage, and a monk’s quiet wisdom all lead to one surprising truth: maybe peace begins with acceptance.

Dr. Tom Wagner
Feb 7, 20255 min read


Making Peace with Your Pet Monsters.
What do you do when the monsters show up—not under the bed, but inside your own mind? If you’ve ever tried to sit in silence and found yourself squirming, this one's for you. Read on to learn how facing your inner creatures might just lead you to unexpected grace.

Dr. Tom Wagner
Feb 1, 20254 min read


The Spiritual Life of Dogs Like Me.
What if every distraction, every restless thought, is actually an invitation back to peace? Explore how resilience, prayer, and a spirited poodle reveal the way.

Dr. Tom Wagner
Jan 24, 20255 min read


Emmanuel in the Mirror.
When joy feels distant and connection elusive, the gift of “God with us” doesn’t disappear—it deepens. This week’s reflection explores why.

Dr. Tom Wagner
Dec 21, 20244 min read


Bending the Universe.
What happens when love seems unlikely to prevail in fractured times like these? This reflection offers perspective—and quiet hope—from the past.

Dr. Tom Wagner
Nov 30, 20243 min read


A Muscular Gratitude
In the chaos of life, what happens when you stop long enough to savor? This article explores how small moments of grace can soften even the hardest memories.

Dr. Tom Wagner
Nov 23, 20246 min read
Explore the full archive of Sunday Morning Cafe blogs from 2009 through 2024.
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