Ancient Rhythms
Our dishwasher recently broke. That day felt like a disaster. I couldn’t imagine life without the dishwasher. And then I could. As we learned we’ll wait a few weeks until the new dishwasher arrives, I settled into the reality that I’d wash dishes by hand. And I thought of others in the world also washing […]
A Verb I’ve Never Used: Envenomate
Today I read the sentence, “She didn’t envenomate him.” I realize I’ve never used this verb that means “to inject with poison.” I think of broader uses. Did my biting words or bitter attitude envenomate the atmosphere? I love learning new verbs.
Taking the Day As It Comes
I’m learning to think differently about the day. I normally imagine every possible event that may come my way; I visualize everything–walking from the parking lot, meeting students for office hours, teaching classes, attending meetings, joining conference calls, making dinner. It’s just how my mind works. I also write things in my head as I […]
“Awesome Things We Did Not Expect”
I love that God does “awesome things we did not expect” (Isaiah 64:3). This unchanging God performs in unexpected ways. It’s so mysterious, wonderful, and joyful to think of God working in ways we cannot expect. When I receive a gift or good news I wasn’t expecting, it’s so beautiful and fun. It turns the […]
Prep Work
Sometime over the weekend, usually on Sunday, we’ve been in a routine of making pasta salad for school lunches for the week and popping popcorn for lunchbox snacks. It feels so good–so orderly and prepared–to open a refrigerator full of prepped lunches or see the neat pile of bagged popcorn ready for the lunchbox. I […]
And Winter Approaches
We wake to an unexpected first snow that makes the Winterberry bush stand out, red and eager, against the landscape. Soon, the Northern Cardinals will return to backyard from wherever they’ve traveled. My husband will place fresh seed in the feeders for all our winter backyard birds. I walk around the neighborhood as I navigate […]
A Simple Verse That’s Everything
With so much confusion in my heart and sadness over our nation and more terrible news—mass shootings, wildfires, political controversies—I read the book of Isaiah for perspective. I read these simple words under the section called, “Invitation to the Thirsty” (Isaiah 55:6-7). Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he […]
Return to the Refuge
On days when I’m overwhelmed by despair about news reports, suffering, or the sin in my own heart, I remember that the Lord is my refuge. In Psalm 94:22 we read this: But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. He is a fortress of peace, power, hope, […]
The Autumn Wonder of Golds and Oranges
I stop and marvel at this tree yesterday. Then, this morning, I walk in the morning sun upon the fallen gold of the ginkgo tree. What a marvelous season.