The Crooked Shall Be Made Straight

Wednesday, December 18th

Title: The Crooked Shall Be Made Straight

Dear Diary,

This morning, we started our day early. The air was crisp, only 30 degrees, and frost sparkled on the grass as Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and I made our way to St. Mary’s. Mini insisted on bringing her squeaky duck along, so I told her it could come to church, but only in my backpack. She agreed, though I heard a soft squeak every now and then as we walked.

We arrived while the church was still quiet and dim, save for the soft glow of candles. Sister Mary Claire and I sat down in the first pew to read our meditation book before Mass. Today’s passage, “The crooked shall be made straight,” felt so fitting. As I read about removing distractions and striving to walk uprightly with God, I thought about how easy it is for me to wander down “crooked paths”—worrying too much about chores, what others think, or even letting Mini’s antics distract me. Sister Mary Claire asked, “Do you think we all have crooked paths, Kathy?” I nodded and answered, “Yes, but I think we can make them straight again with God’s help.”

When Mass began, I still had the meditation on my mind, and Father LeRoy’s homily felt like it came straight from my little book! He spoke about removing obstacles from our hearts, about how God cannot unite Himself with us unless we make a clear path for Him. I wondered, Does Father LeRoy have a meditation book like ours too? It seemed too perfect to be a coincidence.

After Mass, Mini could wait no longer. The moment I unzipped my backpack, she snatched her squeaky duck and proudly carried it to the back of the church. Parishioners laughed as Mini went around showing off her toy, squeaking it as though it were the most special treasure in the world. Sister Mary Claire smiled and said, “Well, perhaps even a little crooked squeaky path can bring joy.” I think she’s right.

When we got home, we decided to bake cookies for our neighbors. Sister Mary Claire pulled out a recipe for Frosted Christmas Cut-Out Cookies from the church cookbook. The kitchen soon smelled like butter, sugar, and vanilla, and I loved helping sift the flour and roll out the dough. Mini sat nearby, her nose twitching at the smells, and Sister Mary Claire made a tiny star-shaped cookie just for her.

Now, the fire is crackling softly, and I can still taste the frosting on my tongue. I keep thinking about today’s meditation and Father LeRoy’s words. It’s comforting to know that even if I wander off onto crooked paths, God’s grace will always help me make them straight again.

Evening Prayer:
O Divine Saviour, help me to clear my heart of all distractions so You may find a straight path to me. May I walk simply and joyfully with You always. Amen.

FROSTED CHRISTMAS CUT-OUT COOKIES

l½ c. butter

½ c. white sugar
1½ tsp. vanilla
1 egg
½ c. lard
½ c. powdered white sugar
2¼ c. flour, sifted
½ tsp. soda
½ tsp. cream of tartar
½ tsp. salt

Frosting: Cream½ c. solid Crisco shortening
½ c. butter
1/8 tsp. salt
1½ tsp. vanilla
5 c. powdered sugar plus ¼ c. milk (may need more)

Mix butter, lard, sugars, cream together with mixer. Add vanilla, egg, mix well. Sift soda, cream of tartar, salt, and flour. Add and mix gradually to mixture. Take desired portion, roll out ¼"–½", cut cookies out. Bake at 375 degrees 5–8 min. on ungreased pan.

Frosting: Beat fluffy. Take small amount, ready to decorate. Frosted cookies freeze well.

Goodnight, Diary. I’ll try to keep my little path straight tomorrow.
Kathy

Sources: 

1. Jesus - The Model of Religious, Meditations for Every Day of the Year, Volume One, 1925.

2. St. Teresa's Cook Book (St. Teresa's Altar Society) - Beresford, South Dakota. 

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