Tag: love
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Spreading Arms
I love trees. Their branched arms stretch out wide, becoming homes for countless birds and small mammals, and they give shade when the temperatures soar. Many produce fruit or sap that we enjoy. We came across this tree while on a walk, and what appeared to be dead was actually alive. The branches were few,…
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The Landscape Of My Life
How easy it is to complain! I whine most days about how tired I am. I object to extra meetings at work. I’m critical of everyone else driving on the highway if they’re not going as fast as I want them to. I inwardly protest against long lines at the grocery store. There are those…
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When Family Feels Different
We were brought together nine months ago, a group of strangers who were chosen to “do life differently” together for a period of time. The challenge–to become comfortable with sharing honestly and authentically with each other in a short period of time, to allow each other into our stories, and to listen with genuine curiosity…
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You Can’t Know What You Don’t Know
They came. Ethan, our grandson, brought thirteen college students from Taylor University, ready for a spring break bereft of snow. They left school during a snowstorm. They were ready for sun and warmth. They arrived at 3 a.m. Sunday morning, having driven twenty hours through traffic jams, more snow, and mountains. They were ready for…
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Stinginess Doesn’t Pay
They were coming. We had to prepare. Our oldest grandson is coming home for spring break–and he’s bringing thirteen of his closest friends with him. When you go to school in northern Indiana, the warmth of Florida in March is inviting. We’re thrilled to have them come; our home was built to house our six…