Joy in the Midst of Sorrow
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The Joy I Took for Granted
We took our younger two sons for an overnight stay in Denver last week. We tried to find some fun with them, saying “yes” as often as we could. We rode scooters through the city streets, swam, ate delicious food, shopped, and spent some time at a driving range. It was sweet to be together.… Continue reading
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The Discipline of Joy
If I were to give an honest assessment of my natural temperament, I would say I tend to be a glass-half-full type of gal. My native bent would be like that of a Puddleglum or maybe a slightly more refined Eeyore. Were I to choose, I’d much prefer to have the natural countenance of say… Continue reading
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The Tension of Grief in Moments of Joy
Raising five boys, there was never a loss of brotherly competition or rivalry in our home. There was always an effort between the boys to show who was king for the day. When my kids were young, this dynamic was especially present during times when one of the boys had the opportunity to shine. When… Continue reading
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The Melody of Sorrow
Yesterday would have been Ezra’s 22nd birthday. In many ways, 22 years seems inconsequential. It’s just another number; another date on the calendar. Yet as I watch his friends, I see them graduating college. I see them finding their first full time jobs and stepping into new seasons. I see them marrying and launching into… Continue reading
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Fruit Takes Time
We planted a peach tree at the back of our yard years ago. I bought it at the end of the growing season one year. It was a tiny stick in a pot of dirt; maybe 6 inches tall with a couple of measly shoots (even sadder than Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree). I knew its… Continue reading