The exchange would go like this. My father and I would be somewhere, and in a moment of our banter, he would pause to say, you know Mary, You’re my favorite. My dad’s announcement was usually met with some playful opposition. Dad, you mean I am your favorite daughter in the room with you now? I had, after all, three other well-accomplished and beautiful sisters. So, I had to limit the terms. You’re my favorite?…
3 CommentsCategory: Rest and Renewal
When Gary and I decided to travel to our young friend’s wedding in Northern California, I was excited to put some national parks on the must-see list. We enjoyed our time in Oregon, visiting Crater Lake. We even hiked to the base in the cold weather to view the epic blue lake from the rocky shore level. It was a breathtaking time, and I couldn’t get enough of the cerulean lake punctuated by the sole…
Leave a CommentThat’s A Lot The urban dictionary defines the phrase that’s a lot as a situation in which the observer is overwhelmed by visual stimulation, smells, sounds, or anything pertaining to excess action. This time last year, I heard this phrase spoken to me as others learned that within a period of six weeks: I can agree now when I read it all in one place almost a year later. A lot was going on. When I was…
3 CommentsHappy Second week of Advent. I recognize the intense pressure of time many of us feel in this season, so I am sharing snippets of the few ideas I am trying to move through slowly. Reading, sitting, watching, waiting, and listening on repeat. You could sit with one of the quotes, images or practices for five minutes. Links are provided below. Take a break, take it in, and breathe out. Praise to the Lord the…
1 CommentHow about you? You too? No wonder concepts like rest, the Sabbath, and even something on the liturgical calendar like Advent barely gets our attention. I mean, really, who has the time? I will keep this short because, in this season of preparation, you likely feel the pressure of the lack of time. Consider this idea from Wayne Muller. If we do not allow for a rhythm of rest in our overly busy lives, illness…
1 CommentOn our recent family vacation to Williamsburg, we decide to splurge and reserve a table at the famous Kings Arms Tavern. This authentic18th-century tavern came equipped with a waiter with personality. Imagine. His name was George. George was vivacious and talkative. He was selling his wares and pitching his provisions. For our first course, we ordered the peanut soupe. George helpfully guided us that one would suffice the table for the experience. When my son…
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