Close Up and Far Away
My husband always reminds me to “take the long view.” Everything eventually works out. I think about this when I’m particularly worried about the here and now. I see what’s in front of me, and I forget to take the long view. Things change. Things develop. I don’t need to rush my life or anyone […]
The Thing They Think You Wasted
I love the account of Mary breaking the pound of expensive perfume to anoint the feet of Jesus. People try to shame her and exclaim, “Why this waste?” (Matt 26:8; Mark 14:4). I imagine the scene: Mary’s brother Lazarus is now alive; Jesus raised him to life. There’s a dinner in Jesus’ honor. Imagine it! […]
Too Harsh for You
We bring our potted plum indoors for a few days. With icy conditions and temperatures in the teens, we know the plum tree wouldn’t survive. Each time I pass the plum tree, I remember that sometimes we must temporarily remove ourselves from situations we cannot withstand. Not every environment suits us. Not every opportunity matches […]
Reentry
After four days of travel away from home, I attend to the task of reentry. I always feel better once I unpack my suitcase, start a load of laundry, eat a nice meal with my family, and start to catch up, little by little, on missed work. It takes a few days to feel rested […]
The Blessing at the Center
A dear friend sends me a quote about blessing from Johannes Pederson in Israel: Its life and Culture as quoted in Eugene Peterson’s A Long Obedience in the Same Direction. As I read the quote below, I remembered the Old Testament professor who said to our class, “Nothing matter more than the blessing of God. Everything […]
An Old Favorite: Keep a Quiet Heart
I’m reading a book by Elisabeth Elliot I’ve never read before, and it’s a perfect fit for where I am in life right now. It’s called Keep a Quiet Heart. This book is ultimately about surrender and what it means to fully trust in God in all circumstances. She writes this prayer for herself: “Teach […]
On the Road in North Carolina
Last night I spoke to 400 Cru students at NC State. They are reading the book Sent, and I came to speak at their weekly meeting on the book. Afterwards, I connected with so many girls who wanted to meet and share about their lives. I love this part of writing and speaking: I love […]
So You’ll Know the Secret
Today I woke up thinking about Paul’s words in Philippians 4 about the secret to being content in all circumstances. He writes: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being […]
And I Saw Their Faces
Today felt surreal but profoundly joyful. Penn State lifted their masking requirement in classrooms. For the first time in 2 years, I taught without a mask and could see my students’ beautiful faces. And they could see mine. The difference is hard to describe in words. We were fully present, seeing one another, and engaging […]
Speaking of Risk
I’m learning about prosocial and positive risk. Consider the risk it requires to start a conversation with a potential new friend, to join a new club, to step into a new church? You might feel awkward or rejected, so the risk is real. That’s what makes these behaviors a risk. But it’s positive risk—risk with […]