Friday’s early morning scheduled garbage pick up means our trash must be gathered on Thursday evenings and placed at the roadside. No matter who carries out the bags, the grandkids always want to help. Maybe it’s simply a ploy to go outside again but Poppy invites their help. He balanced them on one arm in …
For the Beauty of the Earth
A sea of green waves triumphantly where for more than two years red clay painted the torn landscape in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. What was washed and rutted, a daily reminder of the storm’s devastation, is gradually becoming a perfectly situated oasis. Construction is expected to begin in the next few weeks on our …
Work In Progress
“I need Mom,” two year old Timothy whined as I hefted him onto the countertop in the bathroom to help him brush his teeth. “I know baby. You’re so sleepy. Lolly’s here,” I replied in my most soothing voice. “I need Mom,” he restated, oblivious to my efforts at consoling him. “Mom’s here, buddy, but …
Worth Imitating
Ezra and I were sharing a yogurt with some granola at the island in the kitchen. Amelia wandered in from the back porch where she had been playing with clay. She climbed up on the kids’ bench at the end of the island and asked to try a bite. She tasted the spoonful I offered …
Make Believe
My four grandchildren squeezed into the two foot by two foot by three foot cubby near the floor meant to hold audio video equipment for a home theater in our room above the garage. The shelves and door were never installed. A hand-painted blue and green tree lined canvas rests against the back wall secreting …
Left-Handed
Two year old Timothy’s Cheerios sat untouched in front of him. He had been restless during the night and had only been awake for about ten minutes. His mom had listed his options for breakfast before pouring his cereal and placing it in front of him. Thinking he was still half asleep, I spooned up …
Mothering (and Everything Else) in Christ
Dragonflies lay their eggs on the stems of water plants. A creature that soars begins its life underwater. It sheds its skin again and again for nearly two years, it grows until the day it climbs out of the water and appears to die, a dried carcass, clinging lifeless to a stem until one last …
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Listen Like One Who Is Taught
The hour was ending as Ms. Sheila made her way from table to table admiring the work of her three to five year olds in Little Learners. As she approached Amelia’s favorite spot, the sensory bin, Amelia opened fire, peppering her with one question after another. Ever attentive, Ms. Sheila attempted to answer each query, …
Me, Myself & I
The house is quiet today but I am not alone. Ever faithful Jake, our Velcro Dane, haunts my steps, following me from room to room, even to the bathroom. He lumbers to the garage door as I fold laundry, pacing, hoping in vain for an early dinner. I take him out and he chases a …
Misled
My room was dark as midnight before seven. I fought sleep as I lounged across my bed, knees folded to hide the light from my phone screen while I read through my daily Bible reading plan. My four grandchildren slept soundly in their respective places as my daughter, in the adjoining room, brewed us decaf …
A Fitting Reply 