Empty spaces

When someone dies, they leave a space. Sometimes, it is a small space, easily overlooked, that regrettably disappears without fanfare. Sometimes, it is an awkward emptiness. Those left behind gather around it, uncertain how to respond to the change. Family may talk about this void, collect mementos, and then busy themselves with other people and …

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Keeping A List and Checking It Twice

City sidewalks, busy sidewalksDressed in holiday styleIn the air there's a feelingOf ChristmasSilver Bells When did Christmas become a checklist? Somehow it happens every year. I asked a neighbor if she was managing to avoid holiday stress. “When is holiday prep not stressful?” was her response. When indeed? And yet, that is the opposite of …

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The First Few Words of a New Year

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,    for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;    great is your faithfulness.. Lamentations 3:22-23 The family laughed over breakfast about the first bacon of the new year, the first text message, the first football game, etc. Each was followed by a daughter’s very good imitation of a trumpet …

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