Category: lessons

The past few weeks have included sudden vision loss and the slow work of recovering sight. My life narrowed quickly as my independence became limited. I am used to going when and where I want, but now I am grounded in many ways. Unable to drive, limited sight interfering...

In the darkness, alone, terrified that my vision would never return, while also praying, desperately clinging to hope in the Great Physician. I asked for miracles, but I also bargained, “Show me what to let go of and where to focus.” Each time I opened my eyes and saw...

Since my week in the hospital, much of my recovery has depended on other people. Friends noticed needs and stepped in without hesitation. One coordinated hospital visitors, so I was never alone when my husband had to work. Another stepped into my role as education coordinator, making sure every...

A quiet exodus is happening in our churches, without headlines, slowly and silently. Without warning, a familiar face vanishes, leaving only an empty pew. Throughout my lifetime, the statistics have not changed. Despite the additions of youth ministry, college ministry, and entertaining activities, we are losing approximately two-thirds of...

Driving down a country highway near the desert offers a chance to enjoy nature and find peace, unless a pair of turkeys crosses the road. I saw them on the shoulder, walking into my lane. I slowed down slightly, moving over in my lane, but one of them kept...

“Never again.” Those words echo from Dachau Concentration Camp as a reminder. Survivors and witnesses declared that the horrors of the Holocaust must never be repeated. However, the attitudes and actions behind those horrors are bigger than one historic event. We must continuously say “never again” in the face...

What began as an ordinary Tuesday in September 2001 quickly turned to chaos within two hours. Even as planes fell and towers crumbled, courage and faith began to rise. Ask anyone old enough to remember, and they can easily recall where they were, what they were doing, and how...

The fourth time is the charm! After weeks of frustration, including lost parts and repeated cancellations, we finally have a working dishwasher, a changed outlet, and everything back in place. The biggest problem was not a non-functioning appliance. The greater issue was the lack of consideration for our time...

We’ve all had those home repairs that drag on longer than they should. What I didn’t expect was for our dishwasher to become a teacher of patience, frustration, and, ultimately, gratitude. It all started over a month ago. Suddenly, the dishwasher decided to run for a few minutes, then...

This title could easily be “What Children Taught Me about Friendship.” No inhibitions. No prejudices. Nothing to prove. As I watched a group of 3–7-year-olds during Bible class, I witnessed the beauty of connection. Children of different backgrounds and skin tones sat shoulder to shoulder, holding hands during the...