Turning toward Gentleness
Violence, Gentleness, Transition Dina van Klaveren Violence, Gentleness, Transition Dina van Klaveren

Turning toward Gentleness

The rainbow reminds us that God got out of the spiral of human hatred and violence, and promises to be in relationship with us in life-giving ways, instead of ways that cause destruction. This is a profound covenant. It’s as though God was participating in the escalation of the violence, then had a change of heart that led to this rainbow covenant. This rainbow signifies God turning toward us, inviting us to turn toward God.

Photo by @steve_j on Unsplash

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a big push
Transition, Aging Parents Dina van Klaveren Transition, Aging Parents Dina van Klaveren

a big push

I present to you a big push in my life, and to stand on the other side of it absorbing its change:

Over the last month we moved my parents from their lovely home in the mountains of Arizona to our newly renovated basement, henceforth to be called “the cottage level.”

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Turning
Aging Parents, Transition Dina van Klaveren Aging Parents, Transition Dina van Klaveren

Turning

On Monday I leave for Arizona. When I return, we begin sharing our home with my parents for what I imagine will include the remainder of their days. I look forward to daily, casual contact with these two people I love. I have not lived at home beyond summer breaks since leaving for Whittier College in September of 1991. Then, I moved east for graduate school, and stayed. I have longed for the pattern of weekly or monthly interactions with my mom that I have enjoyed with my Maryland-based in-laws: holidays together, dropping by, helping with kids, meeting up for a play or meal, birthdays, craft days, sports games, doctor appointment rides. I’ve wanted that with my parents for a long time. I’m not sure that I imagined them living in our home, and yet, here they come! I’ll have all the interaction I’ve been craving right here at home. 24/7.

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