‘Tis Spring, when a young duck’s fancy turns to love. (Adaptation of classic seasonal adage) This pseudo-epigraph came to mind a few days ago when I saw a pair of ducks flying around together. Not going anywhere, not looking for anything—just enjoying the sheer joy of winging through the warm air with each other. These ducks were paired up—likely more than just a little bit attracted (orMORE...
When I stop panicking about digital thefts of my well-being, I remember again that there is one reliable way to combat the moths, rust and thieves that may plague my digitized lifestyle: Among my “heavenly treasures” are our family’s personal relationships! A few days ago, I had reason to worry about possible identity theft involving bank accounts. My frantic mind could not recall the gatewayMORE...
In Jesus’ day, treasures—especially expensive garments and money—were vulnerable to the disintegrating forces of moths, rust and burglars. This matter—the vulnerability of material/financial well-being—seems particularly pertinent in these times. Today’s thieves-in-the-night are as stealthy and insistent as those Jesus referred to in his Sermon on the Mount. Scammers and grifters especiallyMORE...
This entry is part of a blog series, Time Capsules, that considers what our family’s stored artifacts tell about our family history. Today, I invite you to look at the keepsakes scattered throughout our home. Estate sales sometimes include a bin labeled “Miscellaneous”. In this container is all the stuff that couldn’t be assigned monetary worth. After more easily identified articles are sold andMORE...
This time around, Lent seems more focused, more tangible—perhaps more real?—for me. Almost like I’ve come back to Lent’s original nature or purpose. I’m tempted to think that this is especially true for older adults, but that’s probably not accurate: This time around, Lent is for all of us. Lent-like thoughts and feelings seem to have been tagging along with me for the past year. Deep sorrowMORE...
Advent seeds have been sprouting in my spirit during Lent. The seeds? Things begin, but they also end. Both can happen in an instant. The seasonal growth of these kernels takes a little more time to describe. On one hand, Advent heralds both the end of all things—Judgment Day—and their beginning—A Baby Savior foretells deliverance. On the other hand, Lent leads me through the horrors of punishingMORE...
1 Stalwart seniors Ever have one of those days when most things that catch your eye take the air out of your tires? That happened to me a few days back, when going through an esteemed journal I encountered reporting that put the D is “dismay” and the G in “give up”. That evening, I read an article about how social media was tricking pre-teens across the world to buy impulsively—and soonMORE...
Lately I’ve been looking out my window at the various places where I have planted, tended and harvested vegetables and flowers in past years. I’ve realized that I may have the same problem as some 1 older squirrels: I don’t remember where I put the nuts. (In my case, the seeds harvested from last year’s plants.) This may seem like a simple problem—just see what emerges when the ground warms, andMORE...
I’m not sure, but this year’s annual celebration of Black History Month has felt different. “Persuasive”, “humbling” and “evocative” come to mind, too. Certainly informative and necessary.. A few weeks ago, President Biden voiced one reason for his hope in this country’s future: “Have you seen the TV commercials?” he asked. “All the racially diverse couples?” After he made that observation, I sawMORE...
BOB SITZE has filled the many years of his lifework in diverse settings around the United States. His calling has included careers as a teacher/principal, church musician, writer/author, denominational executive staff member and meat worker. Bob lives in Wheaton, IL.