Grace

I liked the flashes of grace at church today--like images you click through in an old-fashioned slide show.

The warmth, coming in out of the bracing air. The polished pews. Flickering pink and purple candles on the Advent Wreath. Little children, and teens. A freckle-faced kid with a mischievous grin. [If you want to get hot cocoa after, be good, a pretty blonde mom told her cute young son. Yeah, right, that will work, she said to me with a smile.] The kind neighbors I know, now holding the wine cup, now bowing in prayer. The time to reflect on the wintry sky--branches bare yet beautiful--through the windows. The long white and purple robes. The chance to offer one another a sign of peace--a smile, a handshake. The round wicker baskets passed hand to hand. All together now.

These are comforts I have known forever.

Trying very hard to be centered and calm. It does not always work. But going to Mass reminded me that I have the resources, that it is possible. Still water runs deep. If I take the time to be quiet and reflect, I can be more compassionate at my core.

Good night.