There was a lovely breeze blowing through life late summer. It had been a while, but I dug out my old kite, cleaned it up, and hauled it out to the field with hope. The wind snatched up what I offered, and together, we streaked the sky with ribbons of color. Then, the breeze vanished … Continue reading Hope
I arrived at a local hospital this morning to visit a church member. For the first time since March 2020, I was allowed to park and enter the hospital where I did each Wednesday for years before the pandemic upended our world. As the rain peppered my windshield, I reflected on everything that had changed … Continue reading The Good Ol’ Days
Our technology was wonky during worship today. Some of the Christmas poinsettias sat among dead leaves, withered from a long holiday season of doing their best to shine. Some of us feel the same. A little wonky, a little withered, a little worn out. The new year brings with it a million ads, emails, posts, … Continue reading Hold Me, Jesus
To some, January 1st is simply another date on the calendar. To others, it is a brand-new journal, full of blank pages pregnant with possibility and potential. I’ve always loved the turning of one year into the next. On the shadow side of the Christmas hustle and bustle, I carve out space to sit with … Continue reading Welcome 2023
I've been grieving hard for my sweet sister since returning home from Kenya. It caught me by surprise. As is our nature, I've tried to rationalize and explain this unexpected wave of grief since her sudden passing four months ago. Perhaps the exhaustion of travel or the weariness of being sick the past ten days. … Continue reading Grief
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
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 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
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
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
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