Whitefoot

Our grandchildren, Annaka and William, are both great first-grade readers and we are impressed by their proficiency. Parents, grandparents and other caring adults dutifully listen and praise them for their accomplishments. I know that our reading to them has been an important contributing factor to their learning to read and we have enjoyed doing this. However, I also know that reading experts urge us to continue this practice as it will further help develop our young readers’ skills. Vocabulary will be enhanced and imagination inspired as we carefully share good literature with them. Recently, I discovered such a book and can’t wait to share it with them.

Whitefoot is written by one of my favorite authors, Wendell Berry. Berry’s engaging prose takes both reader and listener on a fascinating journey with Whitefoot, a small mouse who lives at the edge of the woods. When the nearby river floods Whitefoot is carried into a strange new world and discovers that she can cope with the challenges - certainly a valuable life lesson. The portrait of this tenacious little mouse is not only drawn with well-crafted words, but also is enhanced by several pen and ink illustrations by Davis Te Selle. There is a lot within this small book for a young mind to ponder.

The Greatest Challenge

As a church professional I spend a lot of time studying and thinking about numbers, finances, programs and ministries. I want to help create a vital congregation that makes a difference to Myrtle Beach and the world beyond. My goal is always to nurture discipleship of Jesus Christ. And, I become frustrated and saddened when indifference and apathy seem to prevail. I become distracted about what is reality. It is not easy being a Christian. So, it was providential that I read the following written by Will Willimon: “Let us remind ourselves in worship this Sunday that our greatest challenge is that which it has always been – loving and serving a living, truthful God!" This is all that really matters, isn't it?

For Everything There is a Season

During the past few weeks the opening words of Ecclesiastes 3 have been part of my being as Ron and I made two trips to Ohio:

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what has been planted; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to throw away; a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to keep silence and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.”

Our first trip included spending time with my parents who now live in an assisted living facility. It certainly seemed strange to visit them at this new address, but we were most pleased with their improved state of health and pleasant room and to see them adjusting to this new lifestyle. It was with mixed emotions we joined other family members in dismantling the homestead, as we have known it. Tears, laughs and stories were shared as we divided heirlooms and treasures. We also visited my sister and brother in-law who were coping with his last days of a four-year struggle with colon cancer. What strength they both have exhibited during these years while teaching lessons about living into dying to us all. With heavy hearts we returned to South Carolina knowing we would soon be back in Ohio. But, the call came only a few days later and we made plans to join family and friends in celebrating John’s life.

Although the skies were often gray and misty during this second trip to Ohio, Ron and I saw rainbows several times along the way. The light that reflected through tears when acts of love and concern gave comfort and peace seemed to create them. As did carefully selected music and words that offered hope for the days to come. How Can I Keep from Singing still rings in my mind and heart when sadness returns.

During this season, I became deeply aware that it is family, friends and faith that give us the strength and love to continue the journey. It has become a time not only of self-discovery as I admit it difficult to face my own mortality, but also a time to make sure that my own legacy is shaped by the Micah’s admonition to: