A Place to Find Respite, Grace and Growth in Christ Through Our Ever-Changing Lives
With the snap of the corporate fingers, a company abruptly eliminated a friend’s job after dedicating twenty-eight years to them. The company car, her passion for the industry she served, her phone, her computer, and her connections were all wiped away in the blink of an eye. The cherished job and her entire sense of self-worth turned upside down.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This sentiment held its truth as I gazed upon a photograph capturing a family member, their infectious smile stretching from ear to ear. Yet, behind that smile lay a narrative of struggle — one of worry, sadness, sickness, and rejection. The path leading to that climatic moment had been fraught with immense efforts. Though the outcome was positive, the journey resembled a turbulent roller coaster, a truth obscured by the photograph.Read more
I value physical markers of momentous occasions and people in my life. I have two particular plants which represent significant lifetime events. One is a Peace Lily and the other, a Schefflera. I have had the Lily for 26 years and the tall, now lanky Schefflera for about 14 years. At some point, I had replanted the Peace Lily from its original container many years ago. The Schefflera was still in its original plastic pot from when it was delivered to me. As I was repotting them recently, it reminded me how our bodies need the same type of nuturing in spirit, soul, and body before we face a life transition instead of waiting till we are withered.Read more
One of my favorite Christian authors is Jen Pollock Michel. In a recent email, she asked a series of questions for reflection of 2022. One of her questions caught me by surprise – “What did I lament?” This is certainly not something I typically allow space for in my thoughts but it made me curious enough to explore.Read more
A while back, I began contemplating a decision regarding an upcoming long-term recommitment. During this same time I was dreaming about what I wanted to do professionally once my son graduated. I came across a podcast called The Next Right Thing hosted by Emily P Freeman. As I began listening to her narratives of encouragement on my daily fall walks, her soothing voice penetrated my heart and soul about contemplating my choices.