This morning started just right. I woke to the smell of oatmeal and the gentle clink of the spoon against the pot. Sister Mary Claire was already up, standing at the stove in her apron with the morning light hitting her braid just so. She had made my favorite—oatmeal with a little brown sugar and a bit of cream swirled in. That’s all I ever want for breakfast. The kitchen was warm, and even though it was 55 degrees outside, everything felt cozy.
After I finished my oatmeal, we bundled up and walked down the gravel lane to the mailbox. Mini was ahead of us, sniffing everything like she always does. When we reached the big rock by the mailbox, she climbed right up on top and waited like a lookout. Just then, Robert’s pickup came around the bend. As soon as the tires crunched close, Mini leapt off the rock like a flying squirrel and made a beeline for the truck door. Robert laughed, reached over, and popped it open for her. The three of us squeezed into the cab—no back seat, just all together, shoulder to shoulder.
As we drove toward church, Sister opened her meditation book and read the first point aloud. It was about the Will of God. Jesus did His Father’s will in all things—even the hardest things—and He asks us to do the same. Sister said something I’ll remember always: “The will of God is our peace.” I didn’t say anything, but I let those words sit with me while I looked out at the green fields, just starting to grow.
At Mass, Father LeRoy gave a beautiful homily. He said when things don’t go the way we planned, we must still whisper, “Thy will be done,” just like Jesus did in the garden. He told us that’s the prayer of the saints and the prayer that makes us strong. I thought about that for a long time, especially when we knelt down for Communion.
On the way home, I remembered something I hadn’t thought of in a while—a little Pocket Pal crucifix I found at the thrift store once. It’s small enough to fit in my hand and made of pewter and wood. I used to keep it in my coat pocket. I don’t know where it is now, but I’m going to find it again. I want to carry it with me every day and hold it when I say my prayers. Just having it close makes me feel like I can say “yes” to God, even when I don’t understand things.
Mini was such a good girl during Mass. She sat by my feet under the pew, still as a church mouse. I think she even bowed her head when Father said the blessing.
Evening Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Let me do Your will with a happy heart,
And help me trust You every step of the way.
Amen.
Love,
Kathy
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