We avoid lament and sorrow at all costs. We want to skip over the hard, the grief, the silence. Even today, we keep reminding ourselves and others ... Sunday's coming! ... like dangling a toy in front of an inconsolable baby to distract them from what they honestly feel and are experiencing. I feel the … Continue reading Good Friday Thoughts
Category: Faith Reflections
Ukraine
The news out of Ukraine is heavy on my heart and mind. There are moments where it does not seem real. Then, another post, photo, or report confirms it is very real, and there is little I can do to help these dear friends in this present danger at the hands of Putin. My fear … Continue reading Ukraine
Valentine’s Day Reflection
Valentine's Day is not a hard day for me as a single adult. It may not be marketed to me, but I'm all for a day celebrating love. Post your sappy and sweet posts. Buy the flowers/candy/cards. You see, it can look different for me and still be appreciated for what it means to others. … Continue reading Valentine’s Day Reflection
Exhausted Educators
Our educators are exhausted. Since day one of this two-year pandemic, these essential workers have been pivoting, doing their best to educate and care for OUR children against incredible odds and at risk of their own health. They rarely have planning periods any more due to the need to sub, yet they have more work … Continue reading Exhausted Educators
A Long December
The smell of hospitals in winterAnd the feeling that it's all a lot of oysters, but no pearlsAll at once you look across a crowded roomTo see the way that light attaches to a girlCounting Crows, "A Long December" Pandemic surges, winter blues, employment stress, family strain, Bob & Betty. I don't know how many … Continue reading A Long December
A Season for Everything
The cool autumn weather ushers in one of my least favorite gardening tasks - preparing the garden beds for winter. The stems may still be adorned in green, but their vines are empty. The first freeze is just around the corner, waiting to steal what life is left under cover of the cold night. It … Continue reading A Season for Everything
Carrying Our Burdens Together
Recently, I helped my best friend and family move to their new home. Trip after trip, we loaded vehicles, then drove two blocks to unload their multiplying possessions into their new home. Two blocks. Innumerable trips. Countless stairs. Also innumerable were expressions of "Thank You" and "We owe you" nearly every time I passed by … Continue reading Carrying Our Burdens Together
Markers of Hope
I love to light a candle most evenings as I turn down the covers on the day. The dance of the flame and the scent of the candle are magical to me. Sometimes I voice a few words in the quiet of my home, welcoming the invitation to release the day and rest in the … Continue reading Markers of Hope
Small Things
There have been waves of really hard things recently for people dear to me. Grief and loss. Pain and betrayal. Poignant life transitions and bittersweet anniversaries. There have been waves of really hard things for global communities like Haiti and Afghanistan living with unimaginable suffering and uncertainty. I often feel incredibly small in comparison to … Continue reading Small Things
A Pastor’s Plea for Vaccination
"Our forecasting model shows we should expect to continue seeing increased admissions over the next six to eight weeks," Royston said. "We receive calls daily from other cities, (including the Springfield area) and other states looking to transfer patients due to capacity issues. We have been unable to accept any of these transfers due to … Continue reading A Pastor’s Plea for Vaccination
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