Would You Have Left It?
It’s only 8:30 AM, and I’m having a great day. Everything runs smoothly. I’m happy! I’m on top of things! Besides that, my own daughter’s on the cover of the newspaper for an art project at her school. Can this day get any better? Then, as I exit my car, a wad of cash sits, […]
Advice to Your 19 Year Old Self
I’m finishing a book of devotions for young adults, so I ask various folks what advice–if given the chance–they would give to their 19 year old self. So far, I hear this: “I’d tell myself not to worry. God really is in control and works out everything for good.”“I’d tell myself that no matter what […]
For Dear Life
I watch the way the snow piles atop the fence and bushes. It’s a clingy sort of snow today. Snowflakes latch on for dear life and form tall mounds. Come on, Little Snowflake! Fall right here. We’ve got you. It does look like community to me. __________________________It’s perfect packing snow today. I think about how […]
Playing It Too Safe
Today my oldest auditions for a school performance and doesn’t get the part. She’s all smiles when she leaves the school building because her audition, apparently, was great. “I took a risk,” she says. “I didn’t get the part, but I tried.” A risk. All afternoon, I remember how wise folks always tell us to […]
Whether by Many or by Few: A Different Way to Think About Your Platform
There’s a great little Bible verse in 1 Samuel 14:6 where Jonathan claims that “the Lord will accomplish His purposes, whether by many or by few.” Some translations say, “Nothing can hinder the Lord; He can win a battle with many warriors or just a few.” The phrase “just a few” resonates with me this […]
“There’s More to Life Than Being Happy”
A dear friend–who blogs at Grapes into Wine directs me to a fascinating article called, “There’s More to Life Than Being Happy.” I immediately ask my students to read this text because we’re grappling with what it means to pursue happiness. In this article (which will take you just a few moments to read), you’ll […]
What They Don’t Deserve
Sometimes I just want to punish students for asking me for recommendations last minute. I want to close my office door when they come by to get class notes because they overslept for class. I think about withholding all my good will and servant mindset because they just don’t deserve it. But neither do I. […]
My Day Is Not My Own
Today, nothing goes according to plan. With a school closure and all my dreams for solitary writing dashed, I prepare for the exact opposite: boisterous little girls and a whole day of activity. My quiet, uninterrupted day becomes loud, busy, and very messy. My day is not my own. When God changes the plan, I’m […]
A Nest Filled with Snow
The sun explodes onto the backyard this morning. We shade our eyes from the snow’s reflection of her. The whole scene sparkles and shimmers. My youngest stands by the window to watch all the winter birds at the feeder. The Northern Cardinals, in particular, feast and then fly about the yard. We count seven birds […]
An Eager and Humble Heart
Today I remember that I absolutely love spending time with people who–even after decades–maintain the curiosity and wonder of a child. I have a friend who can always tell you what new idea she’s pondering or what new book she’s been reading. She’s as eager and humble as a new student in a foreign land. […]