After Thanksgiving

After Thanksgiving

The dishes are done. The house is quiet. The leftovers have become reminders. Reminders of time. Reminders of grace. The rush slows, but reflection remains. We start thinking of what’s next—December, Advent, Christmas. But something inside us still lingers in...
During Thanksgiving

During Thanksgiving

Remembering past Thanksgivings. Appreciating present ones. The table is full. So are our hearts. So are our stories. The noise of laughter and conversation fills the room. Plates clatter. Candles flicker. Someone tells a story that everyone’s already heard, and still,...
The Last Day of Classes

The Last Day of Classes

The Last Day of Classes The last day of classes always sneaks up on us. We count the weeks. We count the hours. And suddenly, we’re counting memories. The halls echo differently today. There’s laughter, yes. But also sighs. A sense of something ending. A strange...
Remembering Ray

Remembering Ray

From the book Things We’ve Handed Down: Twelve Letters I Leave for You. Ray Michaud shared hope with me. As I’m writing this letter to  you—and anyone else who will read it—I received an unexpected message. The words informed me my dear friend Ray Michaud had...
Time to Study

Time to Study

From the book Pause: The Secret to a Better Life, One Word at a Time. Don’t just hear about a good book. Read it.  Don’t depend on what you already know. Learn more.  Don’t expect your brain to remember everything. Take notes.  Don’t believe you will...
Smile

Smile

From the book Pause: The Secret to a Better Life, One Word at a Time. You’ve been influenced by a smile, haven’t you? A genuine, sincere smile? A humble, joyful smile? A fitting but surprising smile? A real but holy smile?  From a picture. From real life in real...