Tag Archives: gracious

That’s Not What I Meant To Say

I stumble over words that I say. Even when I have the best of intentions, the words I use may communicate harshness or disapproval. That is generally not what I intended to say. Gracious words are received joyfully and encourage the soul. Gracious speech patterns can earn us the favor of others and make manyContinue reading “That’s Not What I Meant To Say”

Yearning for Light

At this time of year, the days are short and I yearn for more light. We open the blinds and pull back the curtains to let what light there is come in. But my morning hikes are shrowded in darkness and even my evening walks are shortened by the coming nightfall. The short days canContinue reading “Yearning for Light”

Love Is Patient

Assuming you have loved someone and have been loved by someone, what are the qualities of love that have most affected you? Perhaps you have been overwhelmed by someone’s loyalty to you, staying with you when others have left. Maybe you have been the object of someone’s meaningful encouragement and support. And maybe you haveContinue reading “Love Is Patient”

The Difficulty of Waiting

I am often an impatient person. If I am waiting for a package to be delivered, I am always checking updates on its progress. If I am waiting in line at a traffic light, I start to get anxious as I don’t see the cars quickly moving when the light turns green. In our rushContinue reading “The Difficulty of Waiting”

Doing Good Can Be a Pain

Last Saturday, my wife and I went with a team from church to help a community in Chicago. We spent the day cleaning up and beautifying a community park. This was hard work and I am suffering now with numerous sore muscles. These pains are minor compared to the suffering that others endure because theyContinue reading “Doing Good Can Be a Pain”