They say the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step, and you, my dear, are about to take a big one. A long prayed-for, nervously anticipated, who-knows-what-this-is-going-to-lead-to first step. I would expect a tough week, before you set that first foot down. I would expect discouragement, exhaustion, …

Months ago, in the thick of the intensely heartrending busyness that overtook my life for a season, I started pondering what I was finding helpful during that time. I’m guessing this train of thought charged out of the station after I experienced something decidedly unhelpful—a casually tossed-out cliché, silence from …

A few weeks ago, this blog passed the five-year mark. It happened quietly, without the slightest bit of fanfare. But it’s still a significant milestone, at least to me. Blogging best practices mostly overwhelm me, but the one piece of advice I have always tried to heed is to be …

“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” I first read these words several months ago. I don’t remember where, exactly. I think it may have been on Instagram, possibly on a motivational sign or some such.

The week before my mom died, my sister and I met with the medical staff at her nursing home for what they call an “Advance Care Plan Meeting.” I don’t know all the jargon associated with long-term care, but based on my limited experience, this is a nice way of …