We don’t always eat dinner at the table. Especially right now. Our dining room table has morphed into a cubicle for my husband and a desk for my daughter. I’d like to say the current surreal way of life for many of us contributed to our current behavior. But, truthfully, this set-up isn’t completely new […]
Parenting
What a Road Trip With My Son Taught Me
We must keep watch for those sacred moments with our kids. My youngest son and I took a quick road trip to Michigan. The destination was my hometown. Although we have navigated this course more times than I can count, this trip was different. My son drove the whole way. We are thick in the […]
Clinging to God’s Mercies in the Daily Practices of Parenting
There’s a good reason why we call the rhythms that form our days “practices. Place these words on your hearts. Get them deep inside you. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder. Teach them to your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning until you fall into bed at […]
When My Son’s Teacher Reminded Me of What Matters
I anticipated a quick overview of my son’s academic progress. My husband and I arrived for the annual parent teacher conferences for our youngest. In my mind, an audio of the expected conversation played in my head. We could have skipped the conference but in person connections with people that profoundly influence your child are […]
You are Not Alone: Hope for Parenting in Those Unexpected Moments
Upon giving birth to my first child, I was determined to be “that mom”-the one whose children would never fall prey to the sneaky dangers surrounding them. The phrase “My kids would never do THAT” echoed in my mind. What is “THAT” exactly? Electrical outlets? Covered (nevermind the fact that I once found a way to […]
How Running Errands With Your Child Becomes Sacred Time
We’ve all been there. After a day or days filled with non-stop activity, or caring for family in a myriad of breathless ways, you long for a respite. AHHHHHHH! A dreamy illusion of a bubble bath with soft, relaxing music in the background fades. So you go for the next best thing: an excursion to the […]