A Warm Little Fire for Jesus

Dear Diary,

Today was still awfully cold — only 9 degrees — but it felt like a big victory anyway, because Robert’s truck popped right off this morning since he remembered to keep the engine heater plugged in. I like when something simple like that makes the whole day go smoother.

We all got to Church, and Mini was of course right there, so happy to see everyone, and everyone was happy to see her too. She greeted people like she belonged there (because she does), and it made me smile the whole time.

Father LeRoy talked about the meditation and he explained it so well that I felt like I could really understand it in my heart. He said the Holy Family going up to Jerusalem wasn’t just “a trip,” but an act of love and obedience — like they were showing God, “We are Yours.” And he reminded us that being faithful is often made of small steps done carefully, even when it’s cold, even when it’s inconvenient, even when we’d rather stay home where it’s warm.

After chores, I found a few minutes in the afternoon to slip away to the old garage — my backyard getaway. It was cold in there at first, the kind of cold that makes the air feel sharp. But I set a little fire in the stove, and it warmed everything up quickly, like the whole place was sighing and waking up again. I sat still and listened to the tiny pops and crackles.

Before I left the getaway, I wrapped Mother’s Crucifix in my green wool blanket and laid it on my pillow where the stove had made everything cozy. I wanted it kept right under that green blanket, safe and tucked in for the night. There will be plenty of time to hang it on the wall. Tonight, I wanted it kept warm and quiet.  I left it there as if it could be watched over from above, safe in the hush of the garage.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for getting us safely to Mass, and for Father LeRoy’s words that helped me understand. Please bless Robert for helping us, and keep him safe on the roads. Thank You for Mini and all the friendly faces at Church. Help me be faithful in little things, like the Holy Family was faithful, even when it’s hard. And please watch over our home and my little getaway, and keep us close to Your Heart as we sleep tonight. All for Jesus. Amen.

Love, Kathy.