Making Space

A poem about weeds. And life.

Weeds have taken over my herb garden

Dandelions
Mint
Sage
Forget me nots

Wildflowers sprouted from bird
seeds dropped in winter’s feeding frenzy

Even the hydrangeas —
my favorite iridescent globes—
have become excessive and unruly

Things I once saw as beautiful gifts
a nuisance in their over-abundance

Mama warned me
too much of a good thing can be harmful
maybe even more than very little of a bad

I want to rip
it all
out

Clear the slate
start Anew

But not even God wiped out everything

Noah and his family
two of every kind
keeping just enough 

Making space
for beauty to grow

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I read Parable of the Sower with book club this month and am now going to tell everyone to read it. This may be the most important book to read this year—especially with a presidential election looming in the near future. I won’t lie. It is a tough and depressing read. But that is precisely why it is an absolute must. Even in the dark message, I found hope. Octavia Butler is not only an incredibly talented writer, but a prophet of our time. I’m in awe at way she uses storytelling to call us all to simplify, to empathize, and to unite together to demand our world become a better place.

My friend Sarah Hauser released her book All Who Are Weary this month, and it has truly been a balm to my weary soul. Her words gently reminded me that my worth comes from God alone, not from how well I homeschool, how much I publish, or whether or not my kid is good at the activities she chooses.

I devoured both Goldenrod and You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith this month. I want to write the way Maggie writes. Her use of metaphor, the way she simply tells life like it is, and her incredible ability to hit me right smack in the gut. Her writing blew me away. I’ll be reading everything she’s written (and continues to write) from now on.

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The very best recipe I made for myself this month was this Raw Asparagus Salad. It was perfect for these three cute little asparagus spears from my yard. I used pecans instead of walnuts because that’s what you do when you’re from the south.

I have a small trash bag full of sage after pruning my plant, so now I’m searching for all the ways to use it. I’m dying to try this Tequila Sage Smash Cocktail. I think it will be fantastic with taquitos Friday night.

If you, like me, have tons of frozen pumpkin that you don’t know what to do with, might I suggest this Pumpkin Bolognese? We’ve used up all of our tomatoes, but never fear - pumpkin to the rescue!

The very best veggie burger is up on the blog this month to celebrate Earth Day. And it’s the best time of year for Rainbow Salads!

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For years, I’ve been wrestling with the question “what’s the point of church?” I loved this look at the importance of a community in Bible Study, rather than individual study alone.

My favorite poem from Goldenrod. It makes me so angry just how relevant this continues to be. Day after day after day.

When you can’t write, read. And then write. That’s what I took away from this Writing Advice. I’ve certainly been doing my share of reading, so maybe the time to write is coming up next.

I thought this was a really well written article about the recent campaign announcements. It’s going to be an interesting 18 months between now and next November.

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We got Covid at the beginning of the month, which really put a damper on my gradious writing plans this month. I did manage to get two acrostic poems up on the blog.

I contributed 100 Words of Advice to the Literary Mama blog and was delighted to partner with my Co-Blog Editors for the What Writing Looks Like Series. Also, some exciting news—I am transitioning out of the Blog Editor role at Literary Mama and into the role of Creative Nonfiction Editor!

Mid-month, I released a poem about our old neighborhood for Soul Munchies Insiders, including a recording of me reading it. Are you an Insider yet? If not, why not?

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Gracious God,

Thank you for loving us unconditionally, no matter what we do. For entrusting us with unique gifts and passions. Help us to use the things you have given us to lift up your love for all of creation. Empower us to live boldly proclaiming your good news throughout the land.

Amen.

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Until next month,

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