Dear Diary,
The wind howled through the trees today, carrying snow so thick it felt like walking through a cloud. It wasn’t just cold—it was dangerous to be out. The hen house was nearly hidden behind the gusts, the snow swirling so fiercely that at times, I couldn’t even see the barn.
Sister Mary Claire fastened a rope from the clothesline to the chicken house, making sure it was secure before I stepped outside. “Hold on to this with every step,” she said firmly. I nodded, wrapping my mittened hand around it, promising not to let go.
With a lidded pail of warm water in one hand and my basket tucked safely under my arm, I stepped out into the storm. The wind pushed hard against me, and the snow stung my face, but I kept my grip on the rope and made my way forward, one careful step at a time.
Inside the hen house, it was dim and warm compared to outside. The hens were huddled together, their feathers fluffed, waiting. I poured the warm water into their basin, and they clucked softly as they came forward to drink. After checking the nests, I carefully placed the eggs into my covered basket, making sure each one was safe.
The trip back felt even colder, the wind pressing against me as I clutched the rope and moved step by step toward the house. Sister Mary Claire was waiting at the door, brushing the snow from my coat as I stepped inside, shivering.
By the fire, the warmth seeped into my fingers, and Sister Mary Claire opened the Lenten scrapbook Sister Hilda had sent. She admired how well it was made, running her fingers over the stitched binding before turning to today’s meditation.
“It’s about how Jesus went forth to suffer for us,” she said. “He knew exactly what was ahead, but He didn’t turn back.”
I thought about that while holding my hot chocolate close. “It makes me feel small,” I admitted. “I could barely face the storm just to take care of the hens.”
She smiled gently. “But you did it, Kathy. You held on, and you didn’t turn back. That’s how we follow Him, one step at a time, holding on, even when it’s hard.”
O Jesus, in the storms of life, teach me to hold on. When I grow weary, be my strength. When I am afraid, be my guide. May I walk in Thy footsteps, step by step, until I reach Thee.
Amen.
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