It's interesting that most religious and philosophical traditions in the world teach similar lessons. What all these traditions have in common is the rarity of their followers actually living by those teachings. Thanks for this column.
One doesn't have to be religious to recognize the wisdom found in the Bible. I believe we reap what we sow in this life. If we help others with a happy heart it comes back to us in some way. Too bad more people don't ascribe to this belief; imagine how different a world it would be.
This is really lovely Holly. It's so easy to get wrapped up in ourselves. My parents are aging quickly now and I think we're really starting into the time that they will need us the most. It's not going to be easy - they live 4 hours away and there's a lot to do. This is a very helpful reminder that it's about them, and all of us as a family. Thank you!
Beautiful story, Holly. Love the bit about how we “spend” ourselves. I’ll be chewing on that this week.
I grew up in a blended family, and while I’m not close to my step siblings at all in adulthood, my step dad loved me as his own and was a very important person in my life. I love to see other strong blended family relationships.
Thank you for this gorgeous, comforting read, Holly. I am so glad you were able to welcome all these beautiful kids into your life. Humans are incredibly adaptable, and when we keep an open mind we can adjust to circumstances that initially felt impossible. That adaptability is our superpower! It can allow us to live fuller, more meaningful lives than we would ever have believed. ❤️
What a jolt in my spirit. Thank you for sharing your story. This entire year has been about giving and trusting God. The passage from Isaiah put it perspective. I never thought of it that way. 🙏
I'm not very religious, but that passage from Isaiah struck a chord. That landed in my inbox at just the right time. The other relatable takeaway is that family is what you make it--and it often looks different than we were raised to think.
It takes a lot of courage to share this kind of story...and I thank you for doing so because it enriched me to read it... Also, I like this quote a lot, "when you open your hands in release, they are free to gather those blessings." And now I know more about you and your newsletter...
Love this so much!! I had to laugh with the picture of The Grinch. I LOVE that story and the part where his heart grows three sizes has been bringing me to tears every year (and I saw it when it FIRST came on TV...was it 1965?) I watch it. May our hearts all grow three sizes just when when we think we can't imagine how...
It's interesting that most religious and philosophical traditions in the world teach similar lessons. What all these traditions have in common is the rarity of their followers actually living by those teachings. Thanks for this column.
One doesn't have to be religious to recognize the wisdom found in the Bible. I believe we reap what we sow in this life. If we help others with a happy heart it comes back to us in some way. Too bad more people don't ascribe to this belief; imagine how different a world it would be.
Oh, Holly. What a beautiful post. What a beautiful family. Thank you so much for telling this wonderful, WONDERFUL story. :D
This is really lovely Holly. It's so easy to get wrapped up in ourselves. My parents are aging quickly now and I think we're really starting into the time that they will need us the most. It's not going to be easy - they live 4 hours away and there's a lot to do. This is a very helpful reminder that it's about them, and all of us as a family. Thank you!
The further I live from the center of the universe the happier I am.
Beautiful story, Holly. Love the bit about how we “spend” ourselves. I’ll be chewing on that this week.
I grew up in a blended family, and while I’m not close to my step siblings at all in adulthood, my step dad loved me as his own and was a very important person in my life. I love to see other strong blended family relationships.
Beautiful essay.
Thank you for this gorgeous, comforting read, Holly. I am so glad you were able to welcome all these beautiful kids into your life. Humans are incredibly adaptable, and when we keep an open mind we can adjust to circumstances that initially felt impossible. That adaptability is our superpower! It can allow us to live fuller, more meaningful lives than we would ever have believed. ❤️
What a jolt in my spirit. Thank you for sharing your story. This entire year has been about giving and trusting God. The passage from Isaiah put it perspective. I never thought of it that way. 🙏
I'm not very religious, but that passage from Isaiah struck a chord. That landed in my inbox at just the right time. The other relatable takeaway is that family is what you make it--and it often looks different than we were raised to think.
Also: That shirt! lol.
It takes a lot of courage to share this kind of story...and I thank you for doing so because it enriched me to read it... Also, I like this quote a lot, "when you open your hands in release, they are free to gather those blessings." And now I know more about you and your newsletter...
Such a beautiful story.
Love this so much!! I had to laugh with the picture of The Grinch. I LOVE that story and the part where his heart grows three sizes has been bringing me to tears every year (and I saw it when it FIRST came on TV...was it 1965?) I watch it. May our hearts all grow three sizes just when when we think we can't imagine how...
Very beautiful and moving, Holly.
Thanks for sharing an important life lesson through your deeply personal story. I couldn't stop laughing at the T-shirt part. :)
This is just completely beautiful.