Loving the Unloved Things

by Penny Hogan on June 10, 2021

I stumbled upon this poem last week, and while it speaks of raising children, I think it has something to teach us all. The author, Nicolette Sowder, speaks of slowing down and connecting to the rhythms of nature. This summer, may we all make time to slow down, to be a bit more present, love the unloved things, enjoy God's creation in a new way and tend to tender things.

May we raise children

who love the unloved

things - the dandelion, the

worms and spiderlings.

Children who sense

the rose needs the thorn

and run into rainswept days

the same way they

turn towards sun...

And when they're grown and

someone has to speak for those

who have no voice

may they draw upon that

wilder bond, those days of

tending tender things

and be the ones.

About the Author

Penny Hogan

Penny joined the West Side staff in February 2012 as Associate Pastor and was ordained and installed at West Side on June 3, 2012. She works with children and youth, Family Life, Mission and Social Concerns, and the Deacons. Penny grew up in a Presbyterian Church in Columbus, Ohio, which shaped her early foundation of faith.

She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. Penny also is a trained spiritual director through Oasis Ministries for Spiritual Development in Camp Hill, Pa.

Her first career was as a nonprofit fundraiser in Columbus, followed by working as the marketing director for a youth ministry training and publishing company in San Diego. After a few years there, Penny was called to work with youth, family and mission ministries at La Jolla Presbyterian Church in California, where she served for six years before heading to New Jersey for seminary. She has worked with youth in some capacity for nearly 20 years!

Penny enjoys spending time with her husband, John, traveling, going on adventures and cheering on the Buckeyes. They live in Ridgewood.