Amazing Grace … again? I used to not even want to play this hymn on the piano because I felt the lyrics oversung and the tune stuffy.
Eventually it became a favorite when I grew to understand the heart of the words:
Was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
I had no idea my childhood fears would make grace more than just a song title.
Continue reading “Grace Isn’t Going Anywhere”
My congratulations, graduates! Aren’t you relieved, excited, and terrified? So was I.
Maybe you — like it’s etched on your heart — know exactly how you want to serve and grow in this big world. I admire and appreciate you.
But maybe you feel like everyone owns a 5-year plan, life verse, and scholarship except for you. Perhaps you fear someone jumping out from behind the grad cake table, quizzing you on your weakest subject and sending you back to high school.
Your friends are moving on, and so is childhood. You wish you had pomp for your circumstance.
Continue reading “Take Courage, Graduate”
March and April gave me an opportunity to breathe deep and to silence the endless what ifs with an even if stance. Even if my fears come true, God is still good and powerful. Now those what ifs still tickle occasionally, but I’ve gained ground in trusting the Lord. The forecasted calamities didn’t happen to me anyway. The time I spent worrying added not an inch to my height nor a day to my life, just like Jesus promised.
Now we’re marching into May with “grace in our hearts and flowers in our hair”* and a new horizon. I’ve shifted from fighting worry … to combatting discontentment.
Continue reading “If Onlys of Spring”
Elisabeth Elliot’s famous encouragement, “Pick up the broom, and do the next thing” graced my growing-up years. Mom shared this motto with me first, and often it literally involved grasping the broom and sweeping the floor. As time passes, this phrase becomes more and more inspiring and brings hope to more than just my chores.
Lately all the extra time at home has given me an excuse to procrastinate on the little things and to be nervous about the big things. Little things like pantry organization and big things like a loved one’s lost job.
Continue reading “Obedient Next”
Near the end of the book Little Women, the March family celebrates a joyful reunion after much separation and heartache. Laughter, tarts, hot biscuits, and a wedding to discuss. The young and old rejoice in being together once again in the Orchard House.
But our heroine Jo March — no stranger to restlessness — feels an ache amidst the merriment. Much has changed since they had last gathered.
Continue reading “Back Together But Feeling Alone”
