Recently, 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…
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On 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…
Leave a CommentHow about you? You too? No wonder concepts like rest, the Sabbath, and even something on the liturgical calendar like Advent barely gets our attention. I mean, really, who has the time? I will keep this short because, in this season of preparation, you likely feel the pressure of the lack of time. Consider this idea from Wayne Muller. If we do not allow for a rhythm of rest in our overly busy lives, illness…
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