Public speaking often stirs up a great deal of anxiety. A friend of mine, who frequently trains others in public speaking, had a way of calming nervous speakers before they took the stage. She would reassure them by saying, “Don’t worry, it’s in your bones.” What she meant was that they were sharing something deeply familiar to them, something instinctively known. Sometimes, we need others to remind us of what is already instinctive and so…
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Every Saturday, we were out in the yard. My father would make his work list on a yellow legal pad, listing the chores and the work party leaders—the elder siblings included myself and my next-in-line brother Tom. Yard work entailed sweeping porches, picking up trash along our road, mowing lawns, pulling the grass out of the sidewalk cracks, and edging. But the one job that we all dreaded was weeding our rose beds, and weeding…
3 CommentsThis past weekend was a whirlwind of joy and celebration. We set off from Maryland early in the morning to attend a wedding in Pennsylvania, a journey of over two hours. Afterward, we eagerly rushed to join the rest of our family back in Maryland, helping our son and daughter-in-law settle into their new home. As we gathered at a nearby mall to share dinner, I overheard one of my sons discussing a plan with…
3 CommentsMany of you are aware that I’ve been pursuing my education. I’m nearing the completion of a certificate in spiritual direction this month. The question I’ve encountered most frequently is, “What exactly is spiritual direction?” It’s a genuine question, understandable given the somewhat authoritative sound of the term “director.” As I began offering spiritual direction, I noticed a common misconception among those pursuing spiritual direction. They often expected answers from me, whereas my role primarily…
2 CommentsWhen I was a young mom with several children, I remember earnestly going to an older mom who looked like she had her act together and asking how she did it. I recall getting a vague blank look in return with the unsatisfactory reply, ” I don’t know. You don’t know! How can you not know? I was being denied. Or at least I thought so at the time. This week, Gary and I will…
2 CommentsThe exchange would go like this. My father and I would be somewhere, and in a moment of our banter, he would pause to say, you know Mary, You’re my favorite. My dad’s announcement was usually met with some playful opposition. Dad, you mean I am your favorite daughter in the room with you now? I had, after all, three other well-accomplished and beautiful sisters. So, I had to limit the terms. You’re my favorite?…
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