Hey there,

This week our kids’ school went back to virtual, which means I’ve also gone back to virtual teaching. It’s not my favorite (is it anyone’s favorite?), but I completely agree with the decision, what with COVID numbers climbing so high here in Central Texas. Lord, bring that vaccine to its full effectiveness as soon as possible…

In the meantime, it means I enjoy afternoon walks even on my teaching days, and it’s these little things that sustain my good list these days. It’s sunny but cool (my favorite), the town square is bedecked with lights on every square inch, the courthouse tree in the center is fully on display, and the coffee shop behind my house has this fantastic seasonal drink that I can’t get enough of and can’t quite replicate just-so here at home, which is undoubtedly their goal.

Oh, and happy Advent! I love this season.

Metasequoia trees (dawn redwoods) in the Jiangsu province of China. #

5 Quick Things ☕️

1. Listing your yays — I love this idea!

2. It’s always been easy in our culture to numb ourselves so we don’t have to face honest truth, goodness, and beauty — Seth and I talk about how to fight against this.

3. “A world that holds up independence as the ideal offers us two rival duties: to obscure our dependence and to be resentful of it.” Spot on. (p.s., I hang on to every word penned by Leah Libresco Sargeant.)

4. Wisdom from the end of the earth — perhaps this winter we can glean something from those living in Antarctica.

5. And finally, here’s 21 good games to play over Zoom. Handy! Especially because somtimes games > rich, meaningful conversations via a screen.

Quotable 💬

“Just when everything is bearing down on us to such an extent that we can scarcely withstand it, the Christmas message comes to tell us that all our ideas are wrong, and that what we take to be evil and dark is really good and light because it comes from God. Our eyes are at fault, that is all.”

― Dietrich Bonhoeffer #

Advent: Week 1 ✨

I’ve absolutely loved seeing all your photos on the socials this week of your Advent wreaths, candles, and squirmy kids. And I’m so grateful for you sharing + posting your thoughts on the daily readings, music, and art. It’s made my week! Truly.

If you’re appreciating the book, would you mind leaving a quick review? It helps other people find it — and thank you so much in advance.

It’s not too late to join in with Shadow & Light. It’s never too late to recognize Advent. It’s ready and waiting for you, whenever you are.

Have a good weekend!

xo, Tsh

p.s. This made me smile.