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Pruning
After settling into our Florida home, I transplanted a sickly white rose bush growing too close to a tree. Later, our first hurricane prompted me to move it again. The poor bush spent six months in a bucket until I made the front yard its permanent home, near a red relative. With few leaves and zero blooms, both roses struggled. I watered and waited, wondering if multiple relocations or the sandy soil contributed to their spindly condition. Down the street, the neighbor’s roses bloomed year round proving Florida could accommodate this variety. What was the secret? “They need to be pruned,” my husband said one day. I sighed, already knowing…
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A Place to Prepare
As a child, getting ready for Christmas meant braving the wind and cold each Wednesday evening for Advent services. Cloaked in scarves, mittens, and sometimes snow-covered hats and boots, we’d stomp and brush off before entering the sanctuary in silence. The dimmed and cozy lighting invited each parishioner into warmth and worship. Near the altar, a horizontal wreath displayed one pink and three purple candles. The flickering wicks cast strange shadows on the darkened, gothic stained-glassed windows, yet the evening services were anything but scary. Rather, they brought joy and anticipation as we counted down the weeks: four-three-two-one—until finally—Christmas Eve! Each Advent worship service with its evergreen visual helped prepare…
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Winning the Waiting Game
I have played the waiting game since childhood. As a kid, I eagerly looked forward to summer. In adolescence, the countdown to obtain my driver’s license began. As a young adult, I couldn’t wait to get married and have children. After standing up in eight weddings before my own, I felt like an eternal bridesmaid. Often, when our desires are delayed, such as when waiting for a job or the healing of a sick loved one, fear and anxiety kick in. So how do we cope while waiting? Here are three truths to help you win at the waiting game. God is at Work in the Wait We’re often…
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Put on Your Boots and Step Out of the Garden of Regret
“I wish I’d have brought my boots,” my sister muttered as we unpacked. “We’re at a beach condo,” I said. “You won’t miss them much.” I was wrong. Most days the January chill kept our flip flops buried in our suitcases. I also wished I’d brought more shoes than sandals. Garden of Regret “I should have…” “Why didn’t I …” “If only I had said…” Recognize these phrases? They mark the way around a space I call the Garden of Regret. Now if you know me you know I love gardens. Nothing brings me more joy—except the beach—than to spend hours perusing trails lined with all sorts of flora. However,…
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Snow Day—Play Day!
Disclaimer: After writing this post, I hesitated to publish it due to the enormous amount of suffering around our nation and the world. I questioned the wisdom of focusing on play when folks struggle to find food or shelter, when illness abounds, and for some, instead of playsets, war is in their backyards. Yet, our bodies and minds crave a break from sorrow. Like a salve on a wound, even a small interruption of a smile or laughter soothes the soul and brings strength to the suffering. If your pain is too great to read it, try this blog instead. If you read on, I hope this post stirs up…
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Worry or Worship? It’s a Choice
I hate to wait. Doesn’t everyone? Additionally, I am that person who, after perusing a menu a dozen times—making others wait—says to the server, “Take their orders first.” However, once my choice is made, it better come quick. You see, my chronic indecisiveness exacerbates my impatience. Once I settle on a matter, I want it now. Incidentally, I suspect indecisiveness is a family trait, but I haven’t quite decided. So, what are you waiting for? Are you a teacher or student waiting for Christmas break? Are you a parent waiting for a child to come home? I have a friend waiting for a job, another praying for a child, and…
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