Compassion and Peace in a Confusing World
Last week President Biden spoke before the United Nations. His speech addressed, among other issues, the urgency related to the pandemic and the climate. This quote was featured in the Wall Street Journal: “Our shared grief is a poignant reminder that our collective future will hinge on our ability to recognize our common humanity and to… Continue reading Common Humanity
“Pay attention to the things that bring a tear to your eye or a lump in your throat because they are signs that the holy is drawing near.” Frederick Buechner A fellow church member and friend of mine approached me with a question a few years ago that I still think about. He was in… Continue reading Healing Tears
The past few weeks have been troubling as we reflect about the heavy-duty challenges before us as a country, as a world, and as individuals. These include: The Coronavirus Resurgence: In the U.S. deaths are rapidly growing toward 1,000 per day. I watch the chart turn up each day and has not been at this… Continue reading World Losses
“Life must be lived forward, but can only be understood backward.” Soren Kierkegaard When writing about grief and loss, I often refer to the work of my mentor, Dr. Alan Wolfelt. Alan developed The Six Reconciliation Needs of Mourners which I used regularly when speaking with the bereaved. Recently, I’ve been thinking about the importance of one… Continue reading Memories
Being a grandparent is fun, but I am finding it also carries a huge responsibility. I am so fortunate to be able to “care, teach, listen, and lead” these little people. I average about six to ten hours per week in the company of five-year-old twins (a girl and boy) and their three-year-old brother. What… Continue reading Who is Teaching Who?
Maybe it is because I am about to have my 68th birthday that I have been having unusual reflections about my life. Have you ever thought about how many times in your life you almost died? I know, I know, this sounds incredibly gloomy, but bear with me, and remember I studied Thanatology (Death, Dying and Bereavement). I am… Continue reading Second, Third and Fourth Chances
Sometime during the next year or maybe the next decade, someone may well ask you, “How did you live through the coronavirus pandemic and the post-pandemic?” The question may be from a neighbor down the street, or a grandchild asking for a writing project at school. How will you answer the question? The events of… Continue reading What Will We Say?
Our family had a wonderful Memorial Day celebration this week. My day started with preparing two large slabs of pork ribs, cutting-up strawberries for dessert, running to the store for extra ice, washing last night’s dishes, and cleaning the back yard and deck. I’m tired just typing about it. I did a lot of thinking about… Continue reading Remembering
The past year was unforgettable. Last March, I was wrapping up my job as Parish Visitor at my church and trying to say goodbye to many of the church’s seniors in my last week. I hoped to visit seven seniors. Two were in lockdown. I visited with four of the remaining five. Two of these four… Continue reading Things We Can’t Forget
The church I attend has introduced parking lot fellowship as an idea of easing into personal interaction. The gatherings are in the form of a drive-in where we get together for a meal outdoors, listen to music and play games. The most recent event was a blend of social distancing and masks, and an occasional… Continue reading Re-Entry
At Peace 