This week I fell victim to the cold that claimed my son last week. While it did not keep me from regular obligations, it did steal my focus for writing. I offer you this in absence of something from this week. It’s a reflection I wrote a couple of weeks ago. Several friends are struggling…
Category: Healing
Turning Toward the Sun, Firmly Rooted
A friend received more flowers and plants than she could count upon her husband’s death. Both of them have earned the love of many, and people wanted to show their respect during the week of his funeral. Roses, mums, mixed bouquets, and baskets overflowing with potted plants littered the double parlor, so much so that…
Fighting Potential
I hate the word “potential.” Teachers, adults, mentors, and peers have told me, “You have such potential!” for as long as I can remember. As a child, I proudly wore it as if it were another gold metallic sticker the teachers pasted to our chests on days when we were “really good.” Exceptional. That’s another…
I Know Who You Are
She sees the woman slowly make her way towards her. As one of the organizers of the event, my friend stands as a makeshift receiving line forms in front of her. People comment on how well she did helping to plan the evening or mention their desire to become more active in the organization. One…
Better Than Happiness
This morning I needed to tackle dirty dishes and cluttered kitchen countertops. After an overindulgence in Christmas music, I chose to return to a favorite podcast instead to fill the silence. In less busy times, I love making podcasts the soundtrack to my work, as long as that work does not demand much mental capacity…
Not Full of Christmas Cheer
My first year working for a large church in Arlington, Virginia, my husband and I ate Christmas lunch off the rollers at a 7-Eleven. Tradition dictated that the newest priest on staff lead the Christmas morning service and I had started working at the church that November. My first Christmas celebrated outside of my home…
Learning Not to Forgive My Younger Self
I would go back and do things differently. If I could advise my younger self, I would tell her to avoid some things or choose a different path. My younger self didn’t know any better. We should be gracious with our younger selves and forgive them their bad or impetuous decisions. I’m working on forgiving…
Giving Thanks for the Discomfort
I feel obliged to write something for this weekend about gratitude with yesterday being Thanksgiving and all. We’re coming off a challenging year as a family. My husband and I divorced, he moved next door, and we’re learning to co-parent while discovering how family can evolve into something different. I feel we’ve navigated this well,…
Facing Down Flying Fears
I sit on a plane for the first time in 17 years. I last flew to my brother’s second wedding on Sea Island, GA. We lived in Arlington, VA at the time where I served a large church as their Associate Rector for Youth and Young Adults. Within a year, my boss added “Families with…
Tears and strength
I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m crying. I’m sorry I can’t hold my tears. They just seem to come out of me and I have no control over them. I’m sorry. Do you have any tissues? I’m sorry I’m crying. I know I should be over this by now. I’m sorry. Women tend to…
Prayerful Kitchen 