My seventh grade science teacher was something of an idealist when she recruited me and my friend Bridget as the founding members of Calloway County Middle School’s traveling science team.
Being comfortable with mystery seems an awful lot like faith. In a disenchanted world, we like to explain everything away (Thanks, The Enlightenment). I am thoroughly tickled that there was a scrapbooking category and you got to go to DC. Thank God for alternative routes for those of us who cannot, for the life of us, understand how everything is made of atoms, but an atom is mostly empty space. Honestly, your explanation of hydropower would still be the one I would give. 😂
Sitting in the kitchen, reading this to my husband as we drink coffee, I'm laughing again and then crying. Though a couple of minutes earlier, he said he had no time for such things, when I finished, he looked up and said. "Wow. I have goose bumps."
Like Monica, I love this story. There's definitely a mysterious scientific wonder that happens when you write Elizabeth. And I am here for it all day, happy to enjoy it and say 'Wow'. Thank you.
I agree with Monica and Sarah. Count me in on the wonder that happens when you write, Elizabeth. "Happy to enjoy it and echo 'Wow.'" Also agree with Garrett above: the phrase "little science fair charlatan" is hilarious.
I feel especially privileged that I got to hear the tune for “Fall-ing wa-ter… hydropower, hydropower” in person on Friday night. It now lives in my head rent-free.
Thank you for all the grace in this piece. At the risk of giving Mrs. McDaniels too much credit, I admire that she was able to turn water into wine in her own subcreator kind of way by turning water science into science scrapbooks. Well done, Mrs. McDaniels.
Mrs. McDaniel deserves all the glory! She was also our cheerleading sponsor. I think that's how Bridget and I got recruited in the first place... maybe she wanted a little school spirit on the road?! She didn't know what she was asking for.
"I don’t know why sometimes life is beautiful and sometimes it’s terrible. Sometimes the kindness of God sparkles like lights on the water. Sometimes the lights go out and He seems quiet and so far away. I come to the border of my understanding too often." I'm okay with not knowing, even though it can be scary. Thanks for this.
I feel like I’ve heard you read this at least a couple of times, but I still got goosebumps at this line: “All I know is that beyond the borders is one who understands things too lofty for me, and that His glory comes down on us like the roar of rushing waters.”
What an encouraging piece and a sweet story. I too am often really comfortable with accepting the mystery of God and His ways—standing in awe of Him and his works. My very deeply thoughtful husband is very different from me in that he wants me to dig deeper. Maybe it’s my ADHD but I can’t often explain why I am content to know and trust Him and stop there. Until pain and suffering. Then I cry out “why? Why God?” Here’s when my gift of a husband reminds me, that even in this, God has never changed and He is still worthy of our trust—in the mystery of pain and suffering. And I don’t need to understand why, just know Him.
Elizabeth, I LOVE your stories!!! I actually put this aside to read because I thought, "She's writing about Frank Lloyd Wright's house? Where's the story in that????" Silly me. Also... I think it was Anne Lamott who said "Wow" is a one word prayer. It is, isn't it? Also... I love a good hand motion story! :-)
Being comfortable with mystery seems an awful lot like faith. In a disenchanted world, we like to explain everything away (Thanks, The Enlightenment). I am thoroughly tickled that there was a scrapbooking category and you got to go to DC. Thank God for alternative routes for those of us who cannot, for the life of us, understand how everything is made of atoms, but an atom is mostly empty space. Honestly, your explanation of hydropower would still be the one I would give. 😂
"Little science fair charlatan" 🤣🤣🤣
E! Oh my gosh I love hearing stories like this and am amazed by your ability to remember details!
Sitting in the kitchen, reading this to my husband as we drink coffee, I'm laughing again and then crying. Though a couple of minutes earlier, he said he had no time for such things, when I finished, he looked up and said. "Wow. I have goose bumps."
I hope you did the hand motions, Tina!
Falling-water, falling-water . . . hydropower, hydropower.
I love this story!
Like Monica, I love this story. There's definitely a mysterious scientific wonder that happens when you write Elizabeth. And I am here for it all day, happy to enjoy it and say 'Wow'. Thank you.
I agree with Monica and Sarah. Count me in on the wonder that happens when you write, Elizabeth. "Happy to enjoy it and echo 'Wow.'" Also agree with Garrett above: the phrase "little science fair charlatan" is hilarious.
Your comments always buoy my soul, Sarah.
I feel especially privileged that I got to hear the tune for “Fall-ing wa-ter… hydropower, hydropower” in person on Friday night. It now lives in my head rent-free.
Thank you for all the grace in this piece. At the risk of giving Mrs. McDaniels too much credit, I admire that she was able to turn water into wine in her own subcreator kind of way by turning water science into science scrapbooks. Well done, Mrs. McDaniels.
Also: seventh-grade Elizabeth is precious!
You got to hear Elizabeth sing her science fair song?!!!
Yes—alongside all the other Winter Retreatgoers! Missed seeing you, Dana. Will you be here this summer?
I hope so! And it would be great to see you!
Dana, I'll do a private concert for you any time.
Done! Next time we’re together.
Mrs. McDaniel deserves all the glory! She was also our cheerleading sponsor. I think that's how Bridget and I got recruited in the first place... maybe she wanted a little school spirit on the road?! She didn't know what she was asking for.
Yes. Wow. Eyes to see His glory.
"I don’t know why sometimes life is beautiful and sometimes it’s terrible. Sometimes the kindness of God sparkles like lights on the water. Sometimes the lights go out and He seems quiet and so far away. I come to the border of my understanding too often." I'm okay with not knowing, even though it can be scary. Thanks for this.
It can be so scary, Brooke. Hugs.
So thankful for artists (like you) who wow for us when we can’t. Hoping to pay it forward someday!
I loved this. And even today, I couldn't explain the mysteries of Hydro-electricity to save my life. Water turns, and electriticy happens....
I feel like I’ve heard you read this at least a couple of times, but I still got goosebumps at this line: “All I know is that beyond the borders is one who understands things too lofty for me, and that His glory comes down on us like the roar of rushing waters.”
So lovely. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Thanks, Micah! Always grateful for your encouragement.
What an encouraging piece and a sweet story. I too am often really comfortable with accepting the mystery of God and His ways—standing in awe of Him and his works. My very deeply thoughtful husband is very different from me in that he wants me to dig deeper. Maybe it’s my ADHD but I can’t often explain why I am content to know and trust Him and stop there. Until pain and suffering. Then I cry out “why? Why God?” Here’s when my gift of a husband reminds me, that even in this, God has never changed and He is still worthy of our trust—in the mystery of pain and suffering. And I don’t need to understand why, just know Him.
Elizabeth, I LOVE your stories!!! I actually put this aside to read because I thought, "She's writing about Frank Lloyd Wright's house? Where's the story in that????" Silly me. Also... I think it was Anne Lamott who said "Wow" is a one word prayer. It is, isn't it? Also... I love a good hand motion story! :-)