A Strange Lesson from My Mother’s Day Candle
My mother was the first to teach me that candles have “memory.” When you light a jar or pillar candle the first time, you must let it burn for a few hours until the wax pools all the way to the edges. You see, the candle remembers how far the wax pooled that first time, […]
This Isn’t Normal
I’m standing in my clothes, waist high in water. I’m baptizing, with my husband, a great friend. I’m invited to join in this ancient ritual, this sacred symbol of the old person buried and rising to new life. I suddenly realize how average I am, how mortal, as I participate in this divine act. This […]
How to Relax in Church
I walk into the sanctuary today, and, like a wave coming over me, I’m hit with the reality of my own frail self. I’m not good, I’m not peaceful, and I’m not close to God. He’s somewhere over there, and I’m struggling against the current to reach Him. I’m flailing my arms and legs. I’m […]
The Blessing We Need
A girl with a stuffed unicorn stood by the restrooms at church this morning. I’ve been seeing unicorns everywhere, and each time, I have a little flair moment. Here’s why. I learned recently that a gathering of unicorns is called a blessing. I just love that. Animal groups have some strange names. Alligators are a […]