I don’t remember how old I was when my dad taught me and my sisters to say a prayer on Christmas morning thanking God for sending Jesus to us before rushing downstairs to see what was waiting for us under the tree, but clearly it was a lesson that stayed with me since I still do it. Over the years I’ve come to understand that all those beautifully wrapped presents, unearned gifts, given simply because the givers love the recipients, are but tangible reminders of the greatest unearned gift of all.
Turning to God and Facing Chaos Together
Praying the Ashes
Shortly after the fires East of Eugene began, I went for a walk in Amazon Park near my home. When I came home, I went to wash my hands, and saw in the mirror that my face and hair was dotted with small pieces of black ash. They were irregularly shaped. Just as each snowflake is unique, I noticed with a shock that so is each piece of ash. Suddenly I knew
