A Few Thoughts about Time
Do you wear a watch? If so, why? If not, why not? (more…)
Two Mothers-in-Law in Scripture
Being a nun, I’ve never had a mother-in-law. So I’ve never experienced firsthand the joys and challenges of such a relationship. But I have heard many mother-in-law jokes. And I have read about two mothers-in-law in scripture. In the jokes, the mother-in-law often fares badly. But in the two examples in the Bible, the mothers-in-law come out looking good. (This post is based on reflection #96 in my book, By the Way: 100 Reflections on the Spiritual Life.) (more…)
The Gift of Flowers
At this time of the year, our convent yard here in Chardon is graced with many flowers. In spring we said, “Hello again!” to our purple lilacs and white lilies-of-the-valley. Then we welcomed our azeleas, roses, and wachmacallits. (I use that term affectionately for flowers I cannot name.) Right now as I write this the peonies in our backyard are spreading their scent everywhere. If I lean out my third floor window I can catch their sweet aroma. Hmmmm! They smell so good! And Sister Sandy (our resident gardener) has decorated our side porch with yellow and orange begonias and multicolored pansies. Beautiful! (more…)
Wendell Berry: Writer, Environmentalist, Farmer
Recently a participant at one of my presentations gave me the book, A Timbered Choir, by Wendell Berry. The book, a collection of some of his poetry, reawakened my interest in this prolific American writer. (more…)
The Poetry of Trees
The poet Joyce Kilmer wrote: “I think that I shall never see/ A poem lovely as a tree.” Let’s take a few moments today to reflect on the wonder, beauty, and poetry of trees. (more…)
