Article by Mary Bea Sullivan

Nestled in my favorite green chair, warmed by the fire and MIss White’s hand-sewn quilt, I was enjoying an unusually peaceful evening alone.

Suddenly the stillness was shattered by a low, snarling growl from my dog, Daisy…

Hesitantly, I stood up to turn the outside light on when I spotted the object of Daisy’s over-zealous protection - a raccoon swinging from one of the bird feeders on the deck.

My involuntary reaction was disgust.  Those stupid raccoons make such a mess!  Ugh!  What a waste of bird seed!

I was about to shoo the intruder away when I paused for an instant.  Instead of a messy pest I noticed a sweet face staring back at me and returned his gaze.  Stillness hovered under the moon-lit sky as we silently watched one another.  Looking into his eyes, I began to soften…

Where there was repulsion, there was now attraction.  Moments before, yelling at the raccoon seemed the most appropriate response; now that I knew him, that felt like a cruel way to treat a fellow creature. Read More »

Article by Kevin L. DeWitt

If we’re not busy, we feel unproductive and lazy …

That’s what we’re taught in this fast-paced, cram as many things into each day as possible world.  The modern world where everything is a rush.  Moreover, we compete by trying to show how busy we are … and the winner is the person with the most insane schedule, because obviously that means he’s the most popular and successful.

Well, maybe not. Perhaps the modern world is wrong.  Perhaps the speed and sheer volume of doing is not as important as what we focus on doing.

Perhaps we need to slow down … so that we don’t miss out on life with our constant rushing.  Slow down, stop rushing, and enjoy life. Read More »

“When you remember me, it means that you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are.”  Frederick Buechner

Article by Mary Bea Sullivan

How often do we take time to remember the people who have made a difference in our lives?

Take a moment and think back to a time when you were going through a rough patch and someone stepped in to make a difference in a significant way …

Maybe it was a teacher who noticed you were having trouble “fitting in” and she helped you feel safe.  Or perhaps it was a neighbor who noticed you were sad and she took the time to listen to your troubles.  If we stop and think about it long enough the list of kindnesses we have received in our lifetimes are innumerable.

Wouldn’t it be nice just to remember a few?

So … go ahead.  Take just minute and REMEMBER someone who has been good to you.  What did he or she do that touched you deeply?  How did you respond to their kindness?  Have you ever told them how they made a difference?  Would you want to tell them again?

If you haven’t ever told that person the impact they have had on you, would you want to now?  If you do, feel free to let us know how it went.  Remembering … a way to relive the gift.  Acknowledging … a way to share the gift!

Who do you remember? Read More »

Article by Malcolm Marler

I park about 6 to 7 blocks from my work each day so that I get a little extra exercise.

Yesterday I was walking from my office to the car and I came upon a young woman in her 20’s who was singing at the top of her lungs.  It was a happy song she sang with her head tilted back not caring who could hear her.

It was a gift she was freely sharing.  I admired her confidence as she sang acapella.  I could hear her a half block away and I watched her free spirited body language as she walked with bold, long purposeful strides.

When she saw me about 10 feet from her, she did not skip a beat in her song.  I smiled and interrupted her and said, “Whatever you do in your life, don’t stop singing.  Thank you for sharing your song with the world.”

She smiled and stopped for a moment.  “I’m singing about California, I love California.  Have you ever been?” she asked.  “Well, yes, I have,” I responded.  “What part?” she said quickly as she cocked her head to one side.  “San Francisco,” I added.  “That’s where I am from,” as she walked away starting her song once again for the world to hear. Read More »

Article by Malcolm Marler

My daily work is teaching me that change is the only constant in my life.

Things don’t go according to my calendar on many days, and today was one of them.  I’m learning that change gives me an opportunity to think, to pray, to be creative, and to listen.  If I’m open to learning these needed lessons, that is.

I thought I was going to start today with a staff meeting, send applications to potential students for our summer Clinical Pastoral Education Program, attend a committee meeting on Patient Satisfaction, and supervise one of my volunteers in her work in one of our ICU waiting rooms.

I’m learning that some days, one out of four is not so bad.

A call came into our office about an employee who died suddenly during the night, and the co-workers needed support.  I spent a few hours with caring, medical professionals who were in shock and grieving.

And yet they had to continue taking care of their patients and families as if today was the same as yesterday. But it was not the same.  A person they loved for decades was not at their side according to the schedule posted on the door.  Just yesterday, this co-worker was doing her job with expertise and compassion, teasing her colleagues, and going home to her husband and children.

But today was different.  Very different. Read More »