Author: Caroline Chambers

compassionate curiosity

One of the ways I’ve been passing the short, cold days this winter is reading.  I like novels best because I can really get lost in a good story. My own experiences are limited, but by inhabiting a well written character and his or her story, I can grow in understanding and empathy.  Even if the circumstances are far different that my own, the best stories contain universal truths that give voice to feelings I’ve felt or thoughts I’ve had but struggled to articulate.  I stumbled across one such gem… Continue reading compassionate curiosity

I had a revelation in the dairy aisle recently

I had a revelation in the dairy aisle recently.  With my oldest son away at college, there was no one left at home to buy cheese for.  I loved his habit of fixing himself a grilled cheese sandwich every day after school and I often joined him in the kitchen to catch up and hear about his day.  No one else in the family really makes grilled cheeses, so I find myself with one less item on my grocery list and a little extra room in the fridge. I’ve been… Continue reading I had a revelation in the dairy aisle recently

i do believe

Our staff at TBC gathers virtually for Bible study once a month. As a relative newcomer to this group, it can be a little daunting when my turn to lead rolls around. Collectively, there are decades, maybe even a century, of wisdom, study, and experience represented by the small squares on my zoom screen. The idea that I could offer a new insight or bring fresh content to this group feels presumptuous, and yet I’ve always felt welcomed and encouraged by their engagement. Even as I prepare a Bible study… Continue reading i do believe

the one who mends

I had the opportunity to be part of a Kintsugi workshop this past weekend.  I was familiar with the concept of Kintsugi: a Japanese technique for mending broken ceramics that highlights the cracks and fissures with gold, thereby creating a new piece with more value and meaning than the old.  What surprised me about the workshop was that knowing about the craft and participating in the process are two different things.  This shouldn’t have surprised me.  I know it is true in all sorts of realms, in relationships and in… Continue reading the one who mends