What do you love about yourself? Sharon Salzberg posted this the other day. (Or someone who runs her social media presence posted it. I appreciate it regardless.) Messages such as these are so rare that they sound radical and slightly revolutionary. I love both of those things. Here's something I love about myself: I listen … Continue reading A Revolution

It struck me today that an unintended consequence of those who impose violence upon our world is one of greater love. I mean "greater love," in the smallest way. Not one between countries, or in policies. Not one spoken from leaders. Tiny love. Love that by virtue of its genuineness, can reach only a few. … Continue reading Unintended Consequences

A handful of daffodils popped out in our front yard today to join the world, in that miraculous herald of spring that is also, for me, a reminder of death. Maybe not death exactly. Daffodils remind me of my mother. I am not entirely certain why. For a long time I told myself that it … Continue reading Daffodils. And Things I Didn’t Know Could Change.

This has been a long winter for those who love a Christian church. The abuses of power and the betrayal of faithful people, and of God, have made my heart swing low. My friend Jenny has been asking herself (and me in the process) what it means to love an institution. Do we abandon it … Continue reading On heartbreak

Today, I plodded through the world: it was rainy, and I was tired with a virus slowly creeping into my body. Where does brightness come from on days like this? I had precisely this thought as I headed towards the floors of the hospital where I was supposed to be a compassionate, chaplain-like presence for … Continue reading No Batteries

Sometimes, parenting is like falling in love. Other people are in the room, but all you can see is her.

Tulips, even after they are cut, will turn their funny, dewy, little faces towards the sunlight.

A few years ago, after so many phone calls to teachers, and waiting out the waiting lists, my daughters finally started taking the violin lessons they had begged for for years. They quickly wanted out. Unfortunately for them, I decided that the lessons, practice, performances and musical education would be "good for them," and went … Continue reading Violin Fingers

I look for beauty out in the world (and find it often) but sometimes it's just here to wrap me up on a quiet, dusky evening of nothing-special. Dinner simmering, books open, a candle lit, the dog scratching, and a silly song of blessing before we eat. Amen.

Sometimes, spiraling slightly out of control results in art