Just Us

A name. Have you read of that woman Strong shoulders hunched over with the weight of the grief she carries. Her tears, long steady streams Reach the puddles at her dusty feet. She stands frozen outside the tomb. I wonder about her thoughts How did she spend those three days before standing in that holy place? Had her days turned into nights Only marked by the light and the darkness returning. Did she question, Did the fear tighten in her chest? Were her eyes swollen and tender for the billion tears she had cried. Yet she walked to the tomb that holy day One foot in front of the other And again, She wept. He was gone. Two angels in white ask, Why the tears woman? Who are you looking for? Not recognizing His voice at first She pleas to be told where He has gone "I will get him" she says "Tell me where" Mary. One name and it is hers. Spoken by the one she is looking for And she knows She is known. Desperately grasping, she tries to h...

It’s late Monday night. I’ve tossed and turned and cannot seem to slow the pace of my mind enough to drift off to sleep.   This is so not like me.  I’m usually in bed by 9:30 most nights, as soon as my head hits the pillow after a full day of teaching. So much of this life as a teacher is nothing like it was 3 weeks ago.  Wow...3 weeks, has it really been three weeks already?!! Crazy, it was really just three weeks ago that I lie awake, my chest tight with worry and guilt about how rushed the day seemed with my kindergarteners.  My last day with my students before our school shut their doors was sadly a scattered mess of paper packets and a mad rush to load bookmarks and logins to student chromebooks. I sent those little 5 and 6 year olds out the door with a weighted down backpack and more questions than answers, fighting back tears of my own. “When will we be back Mrs. Hutchings? Why are you sending these workbooks home today? We still have so many pages left to...

Dear elected state official, I am writing to you on Sunday morning March 15th in a quiet house with sleeping 8 year old twins and a husband quietly scrolling through the news to get the latest update on how COVID-19 is impacting Iowa.  Since the elders of our church have been so careful to cancel our regular service today, I have plenty of time to sit here and share my thoughts with you. I am a kindergarten teacher in the state of Iowa.  I work for a large, amazing school district who works diligently to ensure students are provided all the tools essential in their success as an individual.  Beginning last week, our superintendent has been communicating clearly about the possibility of this virus impacting how we do school in the days/weeks ahead.  Within two days, my wonderful kindergarten team of professionals have developed tools and creative ways to continue learning for all students should the need arise to close schools.  Our district is also brainst...

I snuck away today to the YMCA and took a few steps on the treadmill.  Plugging my headphones into my ears, I could quickly tune out my surroundings.  For me, putting one foot in front of the other in an effort to get my heart pumping while listening to my current favorite tunes, has a way of bringing clarity to my thoughts.  Seems strange to be short of breath and finally be able to think clearly, but that's just how I work. I've been reflecting more on creating rhythms in my life that reflect the life I really want to live.  I am currently reading Rebekah Lyons' book, Rhythms of Renewal and have been really challenged to take inventory of my life and how I am spending this one life I've been given.  It's been really good.  BUT,  through this I have been wrestling with this idea of my "why and how."  What is the purpose of reflecting on how my time is best spent and how can I make that happen today and tomorrow and the next? The biggest strug...

The fire flickers calling me to sit, be still Coffee cool from being set aside While I attend to the morning bustle. One lukewarm sip brings perspective My own heart’s condition. Another year has floated by. Joys, sorrows, celebrations and failures. Piled once again on top of one another Creating a mound of memories  Hard to separate  So my human self lumps it all into one. 2019. Looking back to look forward What to change And which parts shall remain the same. I swish my coffee just to watch it swirl But what if His call Isn’t just for change,  But a plea to just be still Still enough to listen  Still enough to hear Still enough not to waste yet another year.

Here I am. Leaving the sunshine and flexibility of summer behind for the first time Forced to unload armfuls of new ideas and lamination in the hallway So I can pat down pockets to locate my keys. Slowly I prop open the heavy door. With a quick flick, fluorescent lights flood this familiar space. The musty smell of books and untouched stacks piled high greet me Hello old friends. Here I am. Being a teacher would be awesome to have your summers off. They say. And here I am late Sunday night. Shuffling furniture can feel as heavy as the weight of this calling at times. Moving piles of new curriculum to their home And supplies as numerous as the individual needs that will soon fill this space. Here I am. Overwhelming feelings bring into focus the huge task ahead. Stress starts to creep in Threatening to suffocate and paralyze my best efforts. So much to do to prepare, so many needs, create the perfect space How to fit it all in, create the ideal schedule, communic...

A sweet friend of mine, who also happens to be a beautiful writer has been encouraging her followers to write. In the midst of all the turmoil going on in our small town....I’m brought to a pen and paper..or I guess my computer. :) I moved to this friendly little treasure of a town, Glenwood. Over ten years ago, I knew very few people and wasn’t sure if it would be a place I would call home for long.  It didn’t take long to realize this bustling little community was unique.  Not only did it have a smalltown Homecoming that somewhat resembled a national holiday and cute little business store fronts, it had these people. These rather strange, overly friendly people that would go out of their way to welcome a newbie or offer to shoulder a heavy load for a stranger they barely knew. These caring, hardworking people kept popping into my life, uninvited really. Ya know, there are lots of things people say about a small town. Small town living isn’t for everyone....everyone knows...