We were at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota last week for a physical tune-up of sorts. In the middle of the marble-floored, high-ceilinged, main lobby area a pianist dressed in scrubs was playing her heart out. The simple melody floated through the open space. We stopped, grateful for a break from tests and appointments, […]

The hard part Is to find yourself at home with where and what you are And still remain amazed. (John Koethe, "Beyond Belief") We live in a trance so much of the time, don't we? Here, but not here. Restless, never really at home. We carry around a vague sense of unhappiness with who we […]

Wake up late because your white noise machine drowned out your alarm. Have your new alarm be your husband of 40 years waking you by rubbing your feet. Stumble out of bed, throw on your clothes from yesterday, including your late father-in-law's delicious flannel shirt. Reheat yesterday's coffee in your second favorite mug because you […]

Faith deconstruction seems like a natural by-product of life. The faith of our childhood, our young adulthood, should morph, change, and become more mature. If I still have the faith of an 18-year old at age 58, something went seriously wrong. Over three years ago I left a church I loved and was a part […]

It's allergy season in Iowa and my husband is suffering. Sneezy, red, watery eyes, head stuffed. It's rough. So rough that we decided -- for everyone's sake -- he should sleep in our guest room for a bit. Usually this means I don't have to use the white noise machine placed perfectly on my bedside […]

I just finished reading an Arthur Brooks column in the Atlantic. Gorgeous words. Here is a little excerpt I want to share with you: You will notice that all of the modern untruths I’ve identified have one big thing in common: They say you should focus on yourself—your future, your career, your discomfort, your truth. […]