There are some places in the world where the ocean’s tide goes out so far that boats anchored in the bay will end up resting on the ocean floor awaiting the next incoming tide. I was a young girl the first time I saw this, and I found it both amusing and slightly alarming to see all those water-worthy vessels leaning precariously on the wet sand. Later, seeing them all bobbing quietly and securely on the high tide was a relief. Tides are dependable that way. I’m sure the fishermen never think a thing about it. The tide goes out, and they wait with confidence. Whether they stay on the…

Some days are harder than others. You know what I mean. Those days when the more you hurry, the slower you go. When it takes three tries to get your outfit even remotely passable. When your keys aren’t where you left them. When you get to work, only to realize that your card case is in your other purse, which means you’ve driven 30 miles without a driver’s license and have no debit card to buy lunch. When you think to yourself, “Can I have a do-over?” I know these are small things. They are what my children call “first world problems.” They are also the things that distract and…

Time-lapse photography fascinates me. Watching a blade of grass sprout in seconds, or a flower blooming, fading and dropping its petals in the time it takes a heart to beat a dozen times. It is a technique in which the frequency of film frames captured is much lower than the frequency used to view the sequence so when played as a video at normal speed, time appears to be moving faster. It is a matter of perception, of course. It does give one pause, however, and for me it is a beautiful but sobering reminder that humans are but a vapor. (James 4:14) And, we are often prone to assuming we…

I love a good story. One in which the hero is admirable, the villain is despicable, and the distressed are saved when evil is conquered. Sounds simplistic, I know. The complexities that make a good story, though, are often found in the well-defined depth of the characters as they grapple with their own weaknesses and aspirations. Friendship, loyalty, and courage should save the day against wicked schemes and betrayals. Forgiveness and mercy should push back the darkness of isolation, and the “end” should imply a continuing journey giving rise to hope. It’s probably a good thing I’m not seeking to publish the next great fantasy novel. I might be mired…