One day, my co-worker gave me a potted flower that was slightly dry. I knew that if the plant was not watered, it would soon die. So I began to care...

I am from a region known for abundant pine forests that stretch for miles. But the forests did not grow overnight. The daily growth of a tree seems indiscernible, but day...

Years ago, I ran a large community outreach event for our church. Thousands of people came, and it went well. But at the end, one person made a critical remark, and...

I recently left a company I had been instrumental in building over the past decade. I was in a leadership role, so the choice to leave was difficult. I could not...

One morning as my husband and I enjoyed breakfast outside, a juvenile egret wandered from the pond until he was nearly within our reach. Totally oblivious to us, he looked upward...

Growing up, I attended a large church that seemed like a thriving community with many opportunities. I had good friends at church and enjoyed the worship, but I was not maturing...

Making connections with students while teaching remotely is hard. I can’t pat them on the back or easily whisper words of encouragement when they struggle. I can’t offer high fives when...

Last autumn I planted four amaryllis bulbs. Three began to grow almost immediately, developing strong stems and sturdy buds, and I was able to give them to friends as Christmas gifts....

As I read again the parable of the mustard seed this morning, I am reminded of the time I spent in my garden last week planting seeds. The peppermint seeds were...

Winter can be a challenge in Norway. We have only a couple hours of sunshine each day which means it is largely cold and quiet. Even the birds are silent with...