Empathy. That quality of compassionate, understanding care extended toward others. I have often wondered: is it nature? Or, is it nurture? Can we cultivate empathy, can we grow it? Or Baby, are we just born that way? I’d truly like to know. Because the consequences really are far-reaching. If we are born with it (or …
When tragedy strikes and disaster hits. And when calamity occurs and life is lost. When that life is a child’s life- a precious son or daughter’s life. A mother’s life, a wife’s life, a sister’s life. Or worse: when that loss is a family’s life, it is so pervasive and deadly in its scope. So …
There are days when frost covers barren ground. Like a heavy cloak. When tiny buds on frozen tree limbs shimmer with an icy glaze. When tiny shoots of new life, thwarted in process of emerging forth. Are interrupted. Dark, heavy clouds hang low and ready. There are these kinds of days. When table talk is …
There are times when I scrutinize the reflection I see in the mirror. And I don’t like what I see the majority of the time. Is that surprising, really? We are our own worst critics, and when we look in the mirror, what are we usually looking for? Flaws. Imperfections. Areas needing improvement. The other …
So, here’s where the rubber meets the road. Yesterday, I wrote about seeing the best in people. And I love doing that in my role as teacher, friend, colleague, volunteer. But probably the hardest place for me to practice seeing the best in people is when it comes to family. Because let’s face it, family …
A few years back, when I was teaching high school instead of five-year olds, I use to know a thing or two about teenagers. For instance, I knew that you can’t try too hard to be liked by them. It helps to be funny. And don’t take yourself too seriously, or you’ll be the laughing …
When my son was little, I lost natural hair color over stressing about his day at school. I don’t know if his initial school experience was typical or not, as he is my only boy, and I merely have his one experience to go on. But, I am starting to think it might be. Although …
We sit across from one another in a cramped booth. She talks, I lean in. There is urgency in casual lunch meetings of this nature. And we both know that all too soon, time will snatch away these precious moments. And the body language says it all. Urgent!! This is important!! Don’t interrupt. That is, …
Introvert: a quiet, contemplative person who prefers solitude to socializing, who enjoys time spent in thought, who tends to express themselves better after careful consideration, who prefers work in isolation to working in groups. And to think, that half the world’s population is in this category of people. Isn’t it time the Church started to …
Recess: Little Girl: “I lost my tooth, Mrs. Gard!!!” Me: “Well, let’s put it here in your coat pocket.” Lunch: Little Girl (sad face, on her hands and knees searching under the desk): “I lost my tooth, Mrs. Gard.” Me: “You lost your tooth, and now you’ve gone and lost your tooth? Afternoon: Little Girl …
I’ve been here before: in that place where darkness settles overhead, hovering in ominous, cloud-like presence. Feeling the weight of it all. Wondering if I will ever be free from the burden of guilt, the oppression. Guilt. It covers. Blinds. Leaves me groping in the dark for some comforting safe harbor. That is the burden …
If God is love, why do Christians think He is unhappy with them so much of the time? I am sitting across from a lovely girlfriend. A dear friend. Who also happens to be a Christian and who knows the hidden dangers and obstacles, blessings and joys that this chosen life entails. And we are …