Stand up Straight

Dear Diary,

It was 50 degrees this morning when Sister Mary Claire and I hurried to the gate with Mini trotting between us, her short legs moving fast on the gravel. The sky was cloudy and gray, and WNAX radio said the high would only reach 55 degrees—a good day to stay indoors, perhaps—but we were on our way to morning Mass.

Robert pulled up in his pickup and leaned out the window with his usual grin. “Morning, girls,” he said. Before I could even ask, he hopped out, scooped up Mini in his strong hands, and lifted her into the cab. She wasted no time—scrambled across the seat straight to the passenger door and right onto Sister Mary Claire’s lap. Mini pressed her nose to the cold window, fogging it up with her warm breath as she watched the fields and telephone poles go by. Every now and then she’d lick a little circle clear to see better, which made Sister laugh softly.

When we reached St. Mary’s, the church felt chilly as a cellar. The stove sat cold, and Father LeRoy hadn’t come yet. “Looks like he’s sleeping in today,” Robert said with a grin, and began stacking kindling to start a fire. Sister walked over to the rectory and tapped gently on the door, and soon Father appeared, a bit tousled but smiling, thanking her for waking him.

By the time Mass began, the stove was crackling, and warmth filled the little church. Father’s voice was calm and kind as he spoke on the Gospel of the woman who had been bent over for eighteen years. He said that Jesus showed how love is greater than rules, and mercy is never bound by the clock. “Each of us,” he said, “is bowed under something—but Jesus calls us to stand straight in His grace.” I pictured that woman standing tall and joyful again, and it made my heart feel light.

After Mass, Robert checked the stove one last time while Sister and I tidied the pews. Outside, the clouds hung low, and we decided it was a fine day to stay home with books and cocoa while Mini napped nearby.

Evening Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for lifting what bends me low and for filling each gray day with Your gentle light. Help me to stand straight in Your love.

Love,

Kathy