As the 2020 graduation season wraps up, I have reflected on my own graduation milestones, particularly my college graduation. Sometimes it seems as if my college days happened just yesterday. I remember the late nights studying in the basement of my dorm building, sitting on the old, faded sofa that was lit by the red …
Author: theunexpectedeverafters
“You are never ‘just a'”
He looked straight at me and kindly but firmly said, “You are never ‘just a.’”
Emotions, Freedom, and Gratitude
Today is Memorial Day. I want to start by saying thank you to all of the people who have served our country, to their families who have sacrificed so much, and to everyone who has lost someone who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. The words “thank you” feel inadequate to express sincere gratitude …
6 Month Blogiversary
Hello readers, This week marks our 6 month blogiversary! We are excited about this milestone! We have really enjoyed connecting with so many of you and are thankful that you’ve joined us on our writing journey. We’d like to take this opportunity to turn the tables and invite you to contribute a story, reflection, or …
The Comparison Trap
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about comparison and the overwhelming emotions that often accompany the comparison trap. I’ve reflected on how I compare my life with the lives of others, as well as how I compare what I think my life should look like to what my life actually looks like. As this season …
Cheers to All Sides of Parenting
As we celebrated moms yesterday, and anticipate celebrating dads next month, I reflected on my own journey of parenting and how my expectations and anticipations have been thrown off course. There is a lot to love about being a parent, and a lot of awesomeness that comes from kids. However, there are sides to parenting …
Social Distancing: I’m FINE
How are you doing with all of this social distancing? I imagine if I were to ask a random selection of people, the most frequent answer would be, “I’m fine.” Honest answer from me? I saw a meme (created from a comic by KC Green) of a dog sipping a cup of coffee while everything …
Theological Musings
Sometimes when I observe my kids, I wonder if God ever muses over us in a similar manner as parents watching their children. For example, kids can be incredibly trusting even in the most precarious situations. My daughter is quite daring and fearless. Last summer at the playground, she wanted to follow her brother onto …
Finding Self-Compassion Through Truth
I recently read Brene Brown’s book, The Gifts of Imperfection, where she wrote about the ten guideposts to whole-hearted living. As I was reading, I found myself relating to many of her approaches. I was particularly drawn to her discussion on vulnerability and shame. Her writing provided helpful language I now use when I talk …
the unexpected ever afters 