When our oldest child transitioned to middle school three years ago, it was the height of the pandemic. Decisions were made for us, not by us.
Prioritizing Lent
As our daughters grow, we have engaged in many conversations around our family values.
What we know to do
“Why do you always do the work in the kitchen at church? Why not Dad?”
Is God Keeping Track?
The pandemic threw us all out of our routines. Try though we may, our family has struggled to re-establish the weekly patterns we held dear before masks, social distancing, and home antigen tests became part of our daily lives
Weary and Burdened
What do we do when we, as a congregation, as a community, as a world, are truly exhausted and need the rest Jesus promises? Is that space still in the sanctuary? Or are we meant to seek peace away from our community as we heal?
The Armor of Light
I typically welcome the shorter days that accompany the season of Advent. Less daylight should theoretically translate to fewer distractions and more snuggling on the couch, under fleece blankets with warm cups in hand.
In the Middle
We are waiting, as a family, as a community, as the Body of Christ, in palpable anticipation for the end of this pandemic.
Returning to the Sanctuary
Every other pew was roped off, complete with red ribbon. My daughters looked back at me, a little confused. Were we allowed to be close to our friends and neighbors?
An Optimistic Lent
With each new day, the weight of the world seems to rest on our shoulders. There is new hope, but with it comes fresh exhaustion.
Parenting Small
My breath quickens when I hear “do less” each Advent. As my heart starts to race, I think, “There’s no way that’s what they really mean!”