Mary and Joseph in the Old Garage

Dear Diary,

This morning it was 25 degrees, which felt almost kind for January. Mini hopped around while Sister Mary Claire and I got ready for Church, like she could tell it was a holy sort of morning.

On the way, I kept thinking about my dream again—the old garage in the grove, the one that isn’t really there anymore like it used to be. In my dream it feels so real, like a place that can still hold a secret. I can’t explain it right, but it’s like God lets my heart remember what my eyes can’t see.

At Mass, Father LeRoy explained Today’s Meditation about Mary and Joseph at the crib of Baby Jesus. He said to picture them there—so quiet and full of adoration—and to notice how Mary’s heart is alive with faith, because she knows the little Baby she is holding is truly God. And Father said Mary didn’t just look—she pondered, like she held everything close inside her, the way you keep a treasure safe.

Then Father talked about St. Joseph, and how he loved the hidden life—how he didn’t need to be seen by the world to be faithful. He just wanted to be near Jesus and Mary, doing the lowly work with a brave, humble heart. Father said that’s where we often find Jesus too—quiet places, simple places, even places the world would call “small.”

And that made my dream feel different. Because maybe my “old garage” isn’t only a dream-memory. Maybe it’s my heart’s way of learning the same thing: Jesus likes humble shelters. A stable. A manger. A forgotten place. And He comes there anyway.

Mini sat so nicely today, like she was listening too. I scratched behind her ears after Mass and told her she was a good little church dog, and she blinked at me like she understood.

Resolution: Today I will try to be more quiet inside—less fussy—and I will do one hidden, humble thing gladly, like St. Joseph.

Short Prayer: O Jesus, help me ponder You in my heart like Mary did, and obey You simply like Joseph. Please stay close to our little home. Amen.

Love, Kathy