“Comfort in Everything”
I read this morning a quote from Hannah Whitall Smith. She argues that “the soul who gives thanks can find comfort in everything; the soul who complains can find comfort in nothing.” I realize the truth of it, especially when she later writes this bold statement: “There can be nothing in our lives that lacks […]
They Don’t Have to Like You
Students hate my reading quizzes. But after all this time and all these years of learning how to really serve students, I stand behind the benefit of reading quizzes. They increase student attentiveness and encourage great class discussion because folks come prepared. But students don’t like them, and, by extension, students aren’t too thrilled with […]
From Worry to Watching
This morning, I read some beautiful words in Paul Miller’s A Praying Life. He says that when you “stop trying to control your life and instead allow your anxieties and problems to bring you to God in prayer, you shift from worry to watching.” I love it. I love that when I go to God, […]
You Don’t Know Until It’s Gone
My kitchen computer (a tiny little netbook that’s falling apart) loses her backspace button today. It just stops working. If I want to delete a letter, I have to stop and figure out a way to press in the residual little bump that’s part of the old backspace button. It takes forever. I find myself […]
Are You Truly Content?
This morning in church, it occurs to me that much of my thinking involves wanting some aspect of my life to change. I pray in this direction. I hope in the direction of just make this all different. Wait. Stop! I remember that contentment in our circumstances represents one of the greatest gifts given by […]
Ask for Wisdom. It Comes.
Today I remember the simplest truth that we can ask God for wisdom. In James 1:5, I read that “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” My natural inclination is to sort it all out myself. I implement strategies. […]
Your Top 5 Leisure Activities
My educator friend remarks on the importance of teaching leisure skills to students. Learning the skill of leisure fascinates me. Some children understand how to excel in leisure; they use free time for pure enjoyment in ways that don’t harm themselves or others. Other children need help learning how. My friend comments that the default […]
They Know Not to Mess With You
I must go pick raspberries. The patch appears more bee than berry, and I’m deathly allergic. I have my epi-pen ready. I wade into the patch and the bees swarm about me. I don’t even pay attention to them. This is my territory, folks. Don’t mess with me. I’m amazed at my own courage. I […]
“I’m Laying a Dragon Egg.”
The first words out of a little boy’s mouth this morning on the walk to school are, “Remember not to touch my back; I’m laying a dragon egg.” “Oh, yes of course!” I say. “And where will you be laying the dragon egg?” “In a very soft patch of sunflowers.” Then he’s off running down […]
Then I See Them Coming
This morning, we leave for our first day of Walk-to-School. It’s our 5th year of walking that mile together, but I’m worried I’ll be mostly alone. Children have grown up; they’ve moved on to middle school so quickly. It was fun while it lasted. But then I see them coming: new families! One mother pushes […]