Another Kind of Sixteen: Celebrating My Daughter
My firstborn turned sixteen today, and it turned out nothing like I might have pictured from my John Hughes movie upbringing featuring boys, parties, and some misunderstood teen just wanting to escape from her family. It turned out nothing like anything you’re imagining at all. And this is good. This is so good that, if […]
A Special Gift from an Older Woman
While standing in front of her grandmother’s house in Williamsburg in November, my daughter says hello to a passing neighbor on her afternoon walk. This neighbor—surely another grandmother—stops to engage Sarah in conversation. Sarah politely describes her studies as a high school student back in Pennsylvania. She learns that many years ago, this older woman […]
Without Faith
I think about doing that which requires faith in the New Year. This means I might do things exceeding my capacity, resources, and understanding. What a marvelous place to be!
More Tea Parties
I add a new resolution to my list: throw more tea parties for friends and teens. I’m talking about delicious little tea sandwiches, tiny cakes, and scones and lemon curd. I’m talking about conversation, connection, and rest. I’m talking about love. I think about 2018 and ever-expanding ways to invite others into experiences that nurture […]
Sharp Curves, Reduce Speed
We note the sign on the highway. It’s a great warning for life ahead. We slow down when we see the sharp curves—whatever they might be.
Without Me
I’ve been so healthy all of 2017, but last night, at precisely 4:30 AM, illness hits. Sick in the tummy and shaking with chills and fever, I keep my aching form still in bed. But I’m supposed to be out there with a thousand college students at this Winter Conference. I’m supposed to be out there, spreading […]
Great in Small, Secret Things
As 2018 approaches, I consider how to help myself and others resist the urge to be great in public and large ways, as if those mattered more to God than humble, secret, and small ways. For some reason, I think more and more about the boy who gave Jesus the loaves and fishes he had […]
If It Improves the Silence
Today I think more about this Mahatma Gandhi Quote: “Speak only if it improves upon the silence.” What a wonderful quote to share, especially when tempted to use words to divide, criticize, gossip, complain, or lie.
To Serve and Not Be Served
During the holidays, we aim to put into practice those ancient principles: Seek to serve and not be served. It is more of a blessing to give than receive. Treat others as you wish to be treated. Mostly, we remember to focus on the needs of others only to find the mysterious, inverse kind of […]
Christmas Begins
Merry Christmas!! As we tidy up from unwrapping presents and feasting, I want to remember that Christmas isn’t over. It’s beginning. Jesus is here, a Living King, who forms Himself in our very hearts. May our awareness of Christ enlarge day after day. Let Christmas begin the day it ends.