Author: Laurie Hobbs

new year, new home

As the year ends and a new one begins, I take time to review the past year and anticipate the one coming. I go through my calendar and photos and think about the events, highlights, and struggles.  And every year a theme emerges as I contemplate the close of the year. The time is well spent, as it offers direction and meaning to life, and I typically hear God speaking to me in a way I would not otherwise. This past year was a time of transition that was disruptive and disorienting, to put it mildly. It started with my husband retiring from a 40-year career in sales which required him to travel often and be away from home. It… Continue reading new year, new home

freedom to play

This past Christmas, my whole family gathered and was together for the first time in several years. We now total sixteen, including our six grandchildren ranging in age from one to eight years old (and only one girl in the whole half dozen!). Though excited, as I contemplated the gathering, I began to feel anxious. My mind ruminated about details, from how to feed everyone to what presents to buy and how to enjoy ourselves with such a big group. Preparing for six grandchildren felt especially daunting, as they are a… Continue reading freedom to play

catch-up ketchup

Our supper club was at our home for dinner recently. My husband Mike, who loves to grill all kinds of meats, had prepared some ribs. He worked hard brining and marinating the meat in delicious spices on and off all day. The few minutes before serving dinner, he was busy making sure everyone had what they needed. I was more aware of the conversation and connection happening between our friends than getting the food on the table. The mood was lighthearted, and everyone was anticipating a tasty meal and the… Continue reading catch-up ketchup

always “on call”

I was somewhere between the comforters and the towels at my local Home Goods store. Next to me, a woman was shopping for similar items when I heard a very familiar ringtone coming from her purse. As soon as I heard the triumphant beat on the phone, my heart felt like it plummeted to my stomach. A surge of cortisol-adrenaline swept over me. My mouth got dry, my cheeks were hot, and I began to sweat. I looked around in confusion. An impulse to run out of the store hit… Continue reading always “on call”

the puddle

Have you ever had a fight with your spouse and then afterward thought, What on earth was that about? Energy that erupted was completely disproportionate to the circumstances. Maybe your emotions got the best of you and you said things that were unkind. You have? Me too. It was late summer and I had just returned from taking my then 90-year-old mother to her doctor. I returned home and, as I walked up to my front door, saw a big puddle on the walkway. It had not rained in days,… Continue reading the puddle