My family had been invited to stay at a sheep farm in the northern island of New Zealand. My father’s pastoral duties had brought us to the country a year or so before, and this brief holiday was the result of friendship that had sparked between him and the owner of the farm. My sister and I had been given a small room set under the eaves of the old house, complete with hand-crafted twin beds and stacks and stacks of home-made quilts in brilliant jewel tones. We each sat on a bed, pulled our knees up under our chins and grinned. Without saying a word, we were already sharing…

We’ve had a weekend of friends and fellowship. Brunch with two other couples yesterday, Church this morning, and lunch with another couple in their lovely home today. It was a delight to share about the things of God and speak to one another in “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19) that never fail to energize and encourage. Like a dancing waterfall, surging through the mountains from one plateau to the next, full of life and sound and destiny, so is the Spirit-inspired conversation of the children of God. The stories of these friends we love and care for are rife with trials and suffering of all kinds, and yet…

The cherry trees are in full bloom. They are early bloomers of the flora in this area and herald the coming of Spring. They have opened their beautiful flowers in praise of the Creator, and I am grateful to add my praise to theirs. As I witness the glory of His creation in this season of new beginnings, I am mindful of His care and the capacity that He forms in us to care. I remember countless times when others have cared for me. Tender moments of shared experience, practical help in times of need, and understanding of what a circumstance has cost me. Those precious ones who have stood…

We were barreling down the highway doing close to eighty, and there were still cars zipping by as they weaved in and out of lanes avoiding other cars that appeared to be loping along. There were about 20 semis in the far-right lanes also jostling for position. It should have been terrifying, but it hardly registered with me. What we take as the normal state of things today is vastly different than what it was a hundred years ago. And it occurred to me that we humans have had an amazing ability to grow accustomed to managing an ever-increasing speed of transportation. It takes constant situational awareness, judgment, and flexibility…

We sat at a high top in the corner of our favorite little French crepe shop. The room was noisy with patrons of all shapes and sizes, and it was filled with the aromas of coffee, toasted sugar and spices. We smiled across the table at each other, sharing without words our delight in this small eddying pool of human expression. As my eyes wandered the room, I saw in the far corner a young family of four. They were also obviously enjoying themselves. The youthful mother sat next to an infant carrier, soaking in the wonder of her baby. The burly father sat opposite them with a toddler who…