Meta Herrick Carlson

Meta Herrick Carlson (she/her/hers) is a pastor and poet. Her ministry is rooted in a love for meaningful ritual, accessible language, and healthy communities. Meta laughs at her own jokes and packs extra snacks just in case. She and her husband Matt have three kids who are loud, sticky, and fiercely loved. For information about her books, visit www.metaherrickcarlson.com.

Recent Posts

orange cutout Christmas ornament of a deer sits on a shelf

Ordinary Blessings for the Christmas Season

By Meta Herrick Carlson / October 20, 2023

Perhaps you are a planner and October doesn’t seem too early to start talking about the Christmas season. You’re already formatting your Christmas card picture, booking travel plans, or deciding which days you’ll take PTO and which days you’ll “work from home” while kids are around on winter break from school.  I’m not very proactive…

READ MORE
a prayer for the unseen and often emotional labor mothers do for their children

A Blessing for Emotional Labor

By Meta Herrick Carlson / February 15, 2023

If they only knew that your love for them hums along in quiet work they cannot see, in love that is relentless, monotonous and nocturnal, hidden in acts of service that guard and keep. Perhaps they do not care how fully you care until the good order they take for granted is missing in action.…

READ MORE
blessing first phone

A Blessing For Their First Phone

By Meta Herrick Carlson / January 25, 2023

The device contains a universe of things and also nothing of any importance. May it be a tool you own and use so that it does not own and use you. May it offer connection to what is real rather than escape from what matters. May it be the last place you look for validation…

READ MORE