Grieve not the future nor the past but in the moment. That is where joy can be found along with peace and wonder and, yes, sorrow can be there, too.
Tag: Joy
Frog Songs
The endangered California Red-legged Frog (Rana draytonii) in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area The worst thing we used to say about winter was that it was dull. After brightly lit festivities, the warmth of friends and family together, January has always seemed bleak. Just cold and barren. February isn’t much better, although there is …
Rembrance in the Garden
I went outside to drink my coffee by the fireplace and the warming sun and light breeze summoned me to stay. Come find the first camellias hidden beneath leaves and fern fronds, it bade. Come to see if the hydrangeas are budding. Oh no! Something is infecting our berry vines. Make a note to head …
A Farmstand
It is ironic that we can have difficulty giving thanks as we prepare for Thanksgiving. “Who has time?” you might be thinking as you bend beneath the considerable weight of family needs, expectations and your own desire to get it right. The challenge is particularly acute during this season of weariness. Many of us are …
The Upside of a Shutdown
It is possible to set aside a sabbath of sorts in which we focus on baking and breaking bread, listening to birds sing and breathing deeply.
Dust and Indecision: The Art of Decrease
Closets and bookshelves have much in common. As I seek to reduce what occupies the recesses of our home, I realize those shelves and neglected closet spaces are full of aspiration. To all appearances, I have a massive pile of stuff that I am struggling to sort. Dust and indecision hang in the air. Will …
There’s Still Time
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us... Psalm 46: 10-11 Email after email is screaming at me: There’s still time to buy this!!! Last-minute gifts still available. Few things provide a sense of calm this time of year as the knowledge that you are done …
Savoring the Season
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. Psalm 62:1 Until just recently, porch pumpkins and Christmas cheer coexisted on our front porch. Unlike most of my neighbors and friends, I do not rush into the Christmas season. I like to ease into the idea, not unlike savoring the last of the Thanksgiving stuffing and gravy. This is how I’ve always done things, so this pause didn’t really strike …
A Few Words About Fall
I anticipate fall like some people look forward to a holiday. I love all things fall, although I find it a little annoying that retailers try to convince us that it is fall when the temperatures are still soaring and not one leaf has turned color. Don’t even get me started on the topic of …
The View
There is something thrilling about waking up to a new landscape. Once it was unexpected snow in Flagstaff. More recently, it was the first blush of dawn on a snow-capped peak near the Oregon border. I can become mesmerized by the ever-changing scene outside my window when I travel. Train travel affords a fresh perspective …
SMALL MOMENTS FULL OF GRACE 