On my best days I’m what husband calls, “a remarkable woman of character” – brave, strong, lively, strange in a good way. On the normal days I’m a bit less impressive – self-conscious and jealous, fearful, messy and hurting, hopeful and constipated. Sometimes I try so hard to cover it all up (this involves online shopping, wearing long sleeves, and hiding my crooked bottom teeth). Once in awhile, though, I do the hard work. I pull back the covers, dig in, and share the guts and glory of my life. I write some of it here in letters to you because, even in the dark and twisty stuff, I don’t think I’m alone. I’ve discovered there’s nothing more freeing than finding someone on this mud ball who says “me too.. I thought I was the only one.”

The purpose and the point is this: Grace is real and it’s relentless. It may be difficult to find at first, but once you know it’s sound you’ll hear it everywhere. I am hearing it everywhere these days and I think it’s worth chasing, receiving, and handing out like free candy at a parade.. you can never have too much.

Welcome to the parade, dear heart. Open your hands with me.  Let’s catch all the candy we can.