In a Vise-grip
Looking back on this last year, I’m still struggling with being thankful for situations and people whose tenacious grips keep me in a repetitive wrestling match. I want to break free and hear God’s blessing.
If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments
There’s nothing quite like a clear cold winter night out in the country. My hand stretched out one step in front of me is blanketed by velvety darkness. The dark is so dark that it is like a separate present companion, not just a state of atmosphere.
Christmas Eve, Christmas Dawning
Christmas Eve conjures up stories of unique experiences whether warm fuzzy family traditions or hollow disappointments. I’ll share a childhood story that encompasses both.
“Oh Little Town of Bethlehem”
I heard, really heard for the first time the words of a familiar Christmas Carol, “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem.” The specific words which grabbed my attention were, “Our hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”
Tell me a Story
My emotions are like the cumbersome metronome swinging predictably from one weighted side to the other on the top of our ancient upright childhood piano. Back and forth, back and forth it swings. I’ve allowed my holiday mood to be dictated by whatever the most recently received crackling ethernet message is. I should instead give the myriad, joyful, effervescent family stories the permission to bubble up and sparkle my holiday consciousness.
The Art of Listening
During this holiday season, we fret about how to ensure that our guests feel welcome, feel like they belong in our living rooms. How about we whittle this stressor down to one action plan; intentional listening to make sure that all who cross our threshold are being heard?