That’s A Lot The urban dictionary defines the phrase that’s a lot as a situation in which the observer is overwhelmed by visual stimulation, smells, sounds, or anything pertaining to excess action. This time last year, I heard this phrase spoken to me as others learned that within a period of six weeks: I can agree now when I read it all in one place almost a year later. A lot was going on. When I was…
3 CommentsCategory: Communication
The details of the day are long forgotten. What I can remember was the utter overwhelm. That day, I was drowning at home with five young children under seven. I made it through the morning, but by early afternoon, in desperation, I picked up the wall phone and dialed an older friend’s number. I don’t know what I was looking for or hoping for. I just needed to hear a voice. I needed a lifeline.…
2 CommentsRecently, I attended my husband’s 50th high school reunion. Reunions come packaged with all sorts of anticipation mixed with anxiety. It wasn’t my reunion, so I was looking forward as an observer, seeing a slice of Gary’s life I hadn’t seen yet. At the Friday night mixer, a classmate in recognition rushed up to Gary. Within minutes, the stories poured out of her life. Her husband died two years earlier, a severe illness still plagued…
5 CommentsOn a trip with my family to DC, we decided to stop by the National Arboretum to take in the Bonsai exhibition. It was a cloudy, rainy grey day, so I was not inclined to walk outside for long stretches. We had to weave around to figure out where the bonsai were located. Early indications were this was a nice outing, but the displays were few and far between. If you are unfamiliar, bonsai is the…
Leave a CommentDuring a recent ICC (www.iccinc.org) retreat, I sat with a group of students considering our internship opportunity. As is my habit, I asked them what some highlights of their day were. One young fellow excitedly replied, “the clapping contest!” I immediately knew what he was referring to. Earlier in the evening, adult leaders enjoyed a special dinner and program in the upstairs alcove of our retreat center. The second floor was open to the dining…
6 CommentsThree big ideas pressed into my life and learning in 2022. Who not how helps resolve my challenges. God is present and available to every one of us. Caring means listening presence. Here are some questions I am asking myself: What significant learning grew you in 2022? How do you hope to begin in 2023? I am committed to helping others grow personally and professionally, and I invite you to begin 2023 with me. If…
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