Just a few weeks after Janet's death, I read a lovely poem called "Turn Again to Life" and felt like they might well be Janet's words written just for me: If I should die, and leave you here awhileBe not like others sore undone, who keepLong vigils by the silent dust and weep.For my sake, … Continue reading Dear Unfinished Tasks

[Dear readers, I've wanted to share this story with you and was asked to lead devotions last week (for a team of economic development experts), so I'm sharing that version and apply some lessons for all of us below that...] "In the Bleak Mid-70's." ...In the middle of December, that's how it felt to me. … Continue reading In the Bleak Mid-70’s

I recognize that this site is not especially designed for personal updates, but I want to thank everyone who participated in my dear Janet's memorial celebration last weekend. You can click here to read more, view the recording, or see a short photo montage... https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/janettrenda/journal/view/id/652f640c153b09c9209cf826

Dear friends and family, Janet's cancer has progressed at a far faster pace than any of us expected. In two weeks, her tumors are more numerous and are markedly larger. Some are now poised to impinge on vital organs. I think her body had magnificently managed to maintain something like stasis as tumors grew for many … Continue reading News about Janet

As most of you know, I retired from World Vision early this month. I knew it was the right time for several reasons, and we sensed it was the right time for several more. But we never really thought those reasons would be revealed to us so quickly, nor so jarringly. Janet has just been … Continue reading Scaffolds of Sustaining Grace

I’m retiring this week from World Vision U.S. after 41 years in nonprofit work, including a combined three decades at WV. Last month I had the incredible privilege of taking some major donors on a final Vision Trip, where we saw the fruits of several program models that I’ve actually had a small hand in … Continue reading Taking Risks for the Poorest

This month, I came across an affirming reminder from octogenarian South African Bishop Desmond Tutu: When we look at the news, we must keep this more holistic view… Yes, this or that terrible thing has happened. No doubt, there are very negative things, but at the same time there are many more positive things happening … Continue reading Enlarging Our Field of View

Earlier this month we enjoyed dinner with two other couples when one man asked: “With everything happening in the world right now, how can we find hope? Is hope a ridiculous concept these days?” If you think hope is hard to come by, imagine being a humanitarian worker in Afghanistan right now. You’ve poured yourself … Continue reading The Best Time to Plant a Tree

One of the few advantages of my ‘advancing age’ is that this past Sunday, Valentine's Day, Janet and I received our first COVID-19 vaccine. It was a very relaxed and pleasant setting and quite easy, yet I felt a jab in more than just my arm. I expect you've felt the same uncomfortable twinge as … Continue reading This Friday We’ll Decide: Are We Our Brothers’ Keeper?