My cyclamen bloomed a lovely fuchsia pink. But I bought it with the understanding that it would produce the dark eggplant purple I love. What a disappointing surprise as the blossoms opened and showed off their deep pink. But a few days later, the blooms started changing. With time, the cyclamen sported the purple I …
As an observer of the animal kingdom, my neighborhood provides plenty of reflective stimulation. Dogs, cats, hawks — even the occasional fox, raccoon, or skunk. But it is the feral cats that expand my thoughts about reflective living. What is it that cats do so well? Cats work. No apathy allowed in the world of …
As I drove home after meeting with a coaching client, I noticed a white van ahead of me. The logo of its business was printed across the back doors: “Faith Panting.” What? I blinked and adjusted my glasses, then realized the name was actually “Faith Painting.” Somehow the tiny ‘i’ had disappeared with my first …
When I worked for a national organization of corporate chaplains, we often talked about the ministry of presence. Just being present with the person who was struggling. As our clients met challenges with grief, financial struggles, unemployment, or family dynamics — they needed someone to just show up and BE with them. To be present. …
As we close in on another July 4th holiday, my mind and heart go to the importance of freedom. And with the topic — the options that represent security. When security officials train employees for active shooter situations, they present three options: Unfortunately, in our scary world, we need to be prepared to use these …
Many of the people in my age demographic are downsizing. We refuse to buy more stuff. At the same time, we are looking through our current stuff and assessing how to best dispose of it. Although I am trying to be proactive and wise, I am still finding a strange pull to some objects: However, …
To keep an open mind and fully underscore our value systems, I believe it is important to listen to both sides of an argument. Learn the merits of civil debate. As a writer, I research and analyze characters, settings, and the ever-changing plotlines of life. The power of the story. The current story we humans …
It was bittersweet as we began dividing up Mom’s things. She no longer needed a cabinet full of Tupperware containers, pots and pans, or silverware from her fifty years of marriage. She would never cook again or put away leftovers. Still, memories clung to so many of her kitchen items. In one cabinet, the cast …
She reached out to touch my hand, her pudgy toddler fingers soft and warm. Dark brown Hispanic eyes twinkled with joy as we played peek-a-boo around her mother’s shoulder. I would have given her mother $20 to let me hold this precious daughter. But then maybe the spell of our game would have ended. We …
Have you noticed we’re almost halfway through 2024? Time indeed passes quickly, especially as we age. But really — don’t the months seem to flip through the calendar faster than before? I’ve pondered the passage of time and the possibility of something unique happening. A verse in Matthew 24:22 reminds us how difficult the last …