Henri Nouwen has become one of my heroes and role models because he was committed to the idea of “downward mobility”. That’s precisely what Jesus was talking about when he said the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven will be the servant of all. And Jesus himself lived out this example of downward mobility: giving …
I can get lost in the soft perfection of a baby’s hand. Those teeny pink fingernails. Those dimply knuckles. Those lusciously rolly-polly wrists. I remember watching in fascination as my baby discovered for the first time that he could control his hands. It was revolutionary! He started using them as tools to explore the world …
It’s a family tradition to attend the annual Lego exhibition — well, my husband and kids go; I usually stay home because a trip to the city puts enormous pressure on my immune system. On the day of the 2015 Lego show I was in the throes of post-diagnosis depression. I found it soul-destroying to …
My 5-year-old started school this week. It’s a bittersweet day for parents! The toddler pictured here is my firstborn, who’s now 7 years old. Below is a poem I wrote on his first day of school (as I bawled my eyes out) two years ago. * dummy = pacifier, nappy = diaper, cot = crib …
Our kids are camping in the back yard for the next few nights, as there aren’t enough beds to accommodate everybody inside the house (no room for them at the inn – how apt 😆). The kids are absolutely loving this sleeping arrangement; it’s an adventure for them! Recently, we enjoyed meeting a young boy …
I blinked vacantly at my feet. My breathing was finally back to its usual predictable in-and-out rhythm. Wiping my wet eyes with the heels of my hands, I wondered if I’d be able to face walking back into church — the sermon had probably begun by now and I didn’t want people to see I’d …
This is the whole Thankfulness Mini-Series in one post. It’s a 10-minute read. If you prefer to read shorter posts, I understand: brain fog is real! I’ve divided this longish post into three shorter sections, which you can find here. .. .. I’m a big believer in thankfulness. It’s important and beneficial to count your …
I can’t play as much as I used to. My body doesn’t cooperate. My mind is not always cooperative either! But watching my kids play is one of the greatest joys of my life. My Facebook status update from today says: Highlight of the morning for the kids: finding a dead fish. 😳😂 What a …
My little boy comes to my bedside and asks, “Can you play with me, Mummy?” It’s not the first time he’s asked that today. “Mummy has to rest now,” I tell him. “You go outside and play. I’ll come soon.” I give him a cuddle and a kiss before he leaves the bedroom. As I …
The joy of new beginnings and the grief of death — this poem explores the intersection of these two experiences from a Christian perspective.