On Watching the News of the Tsunami in Japan
As I grade papers today, I want to ignore the background buzz and flicker of a news channel showing footage of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. I watch someone’s home burst into flames and float away. I watch a cargo ship turn over on its side as simply as a man changing positions in […]
An Environment for Personal Growth
For years and years, I’ve tried to bake with yeast. I’m rarely successful in getting my dough to rise like I want. But today, I try again. This time: pizza dough for homemade calzones. I read a specific detail from this new recipe that explains my failure. This new recipe insists that I add the […]
Be Still
My little joint stays swollen, so the doctor orders an MRI today. Stripped down, wrapped in warm blankets, and encased in strange foam to hold me in place, I enter the dark tunnel. The MRI, I’m told by a technician who smiles kindly, will take one hour. One hour? What will I do for […]
When You Feel the Pressure
I’m baking a carrot cake for my husband’s birthday (Happy Birthday!), and I notice the instructions for “higher altitudes.” I see the detailed changes for baking when you happen to be up in the mountains. Apparently, up that high, the altitude’s low pressure creates a lower boiling point for water. You have to cook your […]
A Change of Plans
Snow Storm Coming I had already run around in short sleeves. I had already let my daughter frolic outside in flip-flops with butterflies on them. I had already pulled out the spring clothes and encouraged my children to splash in puddles of warm melted snow. The weather report said a huge snow storm was coming, […]
Smooth Move
Tonight in my town, the roller skating rink will host a free “Family Roller Skating Party” just for our elementary school. While my children jump up and down, clapping their hands in anticipation of this event, I’m shaking in my boots. I’m going to put on those roller skates, wobble and tumble out into the […]
Flossing and Jesus
Sometime this year, I fell out of the habit of flossing. I’m not sure when it happened. Maybe it was when I ran out and forgot to put it on the grocery shopping list. Maybe it was when I decided I was too tired one night and just chose not to floss. It was easier […]
What Children Remember About Spring Break
This morning on the walk to school, a little boy tells us his plans for Spring Break. All week, we’ve been hearing what other families will enjoy. Between discussions about Disney World and indoor water parks, I’m jealous and sad. I think about everything my children will miss out on. I think about “the good […]
“Do Everything, Even the Insignificant Things, in a Significant Way”
Early this morning, before the chatter and patter of little girls and the swish and push of backpacks and coats, I read this quote: “Do everything, even the insignificant things, in a significant way.” I’m reading an ancient little devotional by E. Stanley Jones, and his words hit me stronger than the aroma of the […]
Little Girl, Big Puddle
The First Spring Melt Can I Do This? Yes, I Can Free to Play ________________Journal: Can I see my fear as a puddle? I won’t sink; I’ll play.