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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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Father Time…Again…
Sometimes healing the father wound means rediscovering the gifts tucked inside it. This reflection explores what we keep, and what we leave behind.
Dr. Tom Wagner
Jun 85 min read
Father Time
What if being a “real man” meant becoming more whole—not more hardened? This reflection explores how you can honor both strength and softness, in yourself and in others.
Dr. Tom Wagner
Jun 14 min read
Growing Second Half of Life Skills…Even If You Happen to Be Living in the First Half
You don’t have to wait for gray hair to grow elder wisdom. This reflection invites you to begin now—wherever you are on the journey.
Dr. Tom Wagner
May 256 min read
Making Space for Awe
Research is showing that human beings are built for “awe.” Like other spiritual gifts, awe is not a thing you can grasp at. This article explores the ways you can slow down so that awe can graciously catch up with you.
Dr. Tom Wagner
May 185 min read
Comedy Roundup
Comedy isn't a distraction, it's a doorway. In this installment, SMC readers share their favorite picks.
Dr. Tom Wagner
May 115 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 45 min read
As I Have Done, So You Also Should Do: Remembering Pope Francis (1936-2025)
Honoring the man whose life embodied mercy, humility, and hope.
Dr. Tom Wagner
Apr 274 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 206 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 134 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 63 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 304 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 235 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 165 min read
Mark Your Calendar for March 27! “Faith & Life Lecture Series”
Read Dr. Tom's background and his upcoming Faith & Life talk on resilience. This post shares his story and how to access his presentation.
Dr. Tom Wagner
Mar 94 min read
Latte for Lent.
Some beauty exists for no other reason than to delight you—like a perfect heart in a latte, made just to make you smile.
Dr. Tom Wagner
Mar 24 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 224 min read
The Still Point Below the Booming, Banging, Buzzing, Chaos.
In the noise of everyday life, where does your spirit go to rest? Grace-filled practices to help you return to your still point.
Dr. Tom Wagner
Feb 154 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 85 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 24 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 255 min read
Explore the full archive of Sunday Morning Cafe blogs from 2009 through 2024.
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