Shannon's Corner

  The mountains have a way of capturing our attention. They are beautiful, breathtaking, and filled with opportunities to experience awe and wonder. This past weekend, I had the opportunity to spend time in the mountains between West Virginia and Virginia. My eyes gazed upon the beauty surrounding me—the fall trees displaying their vibrant colors, the crisp, clean air, the warmth of the sunshine, and the quiet that seemed to invite me to slow down and simply be. There was no need to rush to the next thing or accomplish a particular task. I could just be present in the moment, taking in the beauty around me. Something about being in the mountains fills my soul and refreshes my mind, body, and spirit. The beauty reminds me of the importance of making space in our lives to experience awe and wonder. Life transitions can consume a great deal of our attention and energy. Transitions can leave us feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or emotionally depleted. We may become so focused on figuri...

  Transitions can be challenging. We often find ourselves focusing on what has changed, what we have lost, or what we still need to figure out. We may feel uncertain about the future, frustrated by the present, or nostalgic for what used to be. Sometimes, we become so focused on what is different that we struggle to recognize what is still good. This is where gratitude can become a helpful companion in our transitions. Gratitude doesn't take away the difficulties of transition, but it can help us notice what is sustaining us as we move through them. Let's be honest. Practicing gratitude can feel difficult when life is messy. When we are grieving a loss, feeling overwhelmed, or wondering what comes next, being told to just be grateful can feel dismissive of what we are experiencing. Gratitude isn't about pretending that everything is fine. It isn't about minimizing our pain, ignoring our disappointment, or convincing ourselves that we shouldn't feel sad. We can be gr...

  Recently, I had a conversation with someone who was sharing a situation she was navigating and trying to figure out how to connect with another person. As she talked, a question came to mind: “What is your name?” It may seem like a simple question, but our names carry significance. Our names are part of our identity. They are connected to our stories, our relationships, and our sense of belonging. When someone takes the time to learn and remember our name, there is an opportunity to feel seen, known, and valued. Knowing someone's name can be the beginning of connection. It can be the first step toward building a relationship. And sometimes, that simple question can open the door to something much deeper. As I thought about this question, I was reminded of the encounter Jesus had with a man living among the tombs in Mark 5:1–20. This man had been separated from his community. He lived among the tombs, and people had tried to restrain him. His life was marked by isolation, sufferin...