This morning started out colder than ever, the kind that makes your nose sting before you’ve even reached the gate. Frost sparkled on the fence posts, and our boots crunched over the frozen ground. Robert’s pickup was waiting at the end of the walk, puffing a little smoke from the tailpipe. Mini gave her best jump but needed a boost from Robert to get up, and then she scrambled onto Sister Mary Claire’s lap by the passenger window, wagging like she was proud of herself.
The new heater in Robert’s truck worked wonderfully—so much that Sister had to loosen her scarf. I could feel the warmth on my knees, and soon the windows cleared. Robert said, “Feels like we might be in for a long winter,” and Sister replied, “That’s when prayer keeps the heart warm.” I thought that was a nice way to put it. Robert nodded and said, “Then we’ll all keep plenty of prayers stocked up.”
At Church, Father LeRoy read the Gospel about the Beatitudes. He said Jesus didn’t promise us comfort in the world but joy in heaven. “To be poor in spirit,” he said, “means knowing you need God every single day.” I tried to think about that as I watched the morning light come through the stained-glass window of St. Joseph. Even though it was cold outside, the church felt warm—not just from the stove, but from the peace that settled over everyone.
On the way home, Robert said, “That part about being merciful hits close to home,” and Sister answered, “Mercy keeps the world from freezing over.” We all laughed a little, and Mini barked once like she agreed.
Tonight, Mini’s curled by the stove again, and I can still smell the wood smoke in my hair. The stars are bright and far away, and I’m thinking how good it is to belong to God’s Kingdom, even in our little corner of the world.
Evening Prayer:
Dear Lord, make my heart gentle and full of mercy,
so I may see Your Kingdom in every day.
Love,
Kathy
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