I’ve Lowered My Standards
This morning, we rejoice that it’s 30 degrees outside. We can’t believe our good fortune! We can’t believe we can walk to school without going numb. Since it’s been 8 degrees in the morning for the last two weeks, this sudden change seems so wonderful. We simply cannot take this for granted. As I walk […]
The “I Don’t Want to Do This” List
Today I encounter a familiar expression after asking a child to do something. “I don’t want to.” I say, “Of course you don’t.” Long silence. Incredulous blinking. I start explaining that most of the day, if you really think about it, surely involves what we don’t want to do. We have homework and packing lunches. […]
When a Student Says “This is Pointless”
A professor and I were dialoguing about students who say my least favorite expression: This is pointless. I put this comment in the same category as criticism and complaint. It’s easy. It’s our default state to ignore beauty, goodness, and complexity. Anyone can say, “This is pointless.” It’s all pointless until we choose to dig […]
It Must Be a Place of Rest
As I clean my home today, I realize that whatever I set on the ground (blankets, coats, pillows, duvets), my cats assume it’s a place of rest. Even when I sit down, they assume my lap is a resting place. It’s funny that they actually believe I’m walking around for the express purpose of creating […]
That Eager, That Receptive
The sun comes out again after so many dreary days. At after-school pick up, the parents gather in front of the school to retrieve their children. The school doors open, and one little boy races–and I mean races–outside with his head fully tilted up towards that sun. A sea of parents and faculty part as […]
In Case You Were Wondering About the Bay Leaf
It’s a slow day around here; I’m fighting a cold, and all I can think about is delicious chicken-n-rice soup. I cut up two chicken breasts and throw them in a pot of chicken broth with a bag of frozen mixed vegetables, lots of salt and pepper, some thyme, some cooked rice, and of course. […]
Exactly What You Should Never Do
Driving into campus today on the icy, snow-covered roads, I find myself skidding. I remember my Driver’s Education teacher’s words: “Do exactly the opposite of what your instincts demand; turn in the direction of the spin and accelerate.” What? Go faster? In the direction of the spin? Surely, you must be kidding. It’s true. The […]
Take Your Seat
Last night, I study Ephesians 2:6 with graduate students who always enlighten me. I can’t take my eyes or mind off the simple word, “seated.” The verse claims that “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms.” We talk about being seated. So much of our lives is […]
Two New Verbs I’ve Never Used
I’m grading a stack of papers, and one student uses the verb dragooned. It means to coerce. It’s simply a great verb (and one I’ve never used). Then, I read how a student has tangoed with the idea of a certain career. It’s not really a verb, but she uses it as one. I see […]
A Quick Look Out
The flair moment came today while I read my friend’s update about her son’s battle with cancer. While waiting in the ICU day after day, she updates his progress on the Facebook page called, “Praying for Ian Peterson.” Today, she reports that a nurse came in to empty the trash and “reminded [her] to look […]