Words in Passing

I walk a lot everyday. It’s my time to think and pray and just look around and notice. I love to look at what people choose for paint colors, flowers, lawn ornaments - it tells me so much about who they are. This weekend I was out for my walk and was going pretty fast - so I heard things - interesting things in passing.

At one little house there was a woman talking and I heard her say, “She’ll be out soon, hopefully. Covid is so unpredictable.” Another house, “I wish they could come for Easter …they seem too busy for us.” A lovely house with blue shutters… “Let’s grill out today maybe some burgers…” The house with the little yippy dog… “She never told me - I had no ideas it was so serious.” And my next door neighbor as I finished my walk…“Should we get a new car?”

All those little pieces of conversations make me laugh just a bit - so out of context and yet just the ordinary stuff of life. It reminds me that everyone I meet even in passing has a story. They are managing life right now, carry burdens, looking forward to things and even hopeful for what’s to come. It fills me with joy and contentment that all those people I heard had someone to share with. It’s such a gift and I am grateful for those who listen to me, pick up the phone or text me back. There are those in our families, parishes and neighborhoods that may not have someone to talk with or someone just to listen to them.

There are a few days left of Holy Week. I invite you to join me in making the ordinary around us - the holy around us. Reach out around you - and offer your time. Bring a treat, make a card, drop off some decorated eggs or just chat for a little bit. If you click the link in the article here - there is a lovely card to download and share.

May the Triduum, in all its beauty bring you peace. May it remind you that you aren’t alone. You belong to a church that is ancient, rich, beautiful and alive with wonder, joy and hope. It is the thing that makes all the difference in our world - you and I knowing that Good Friday is for us. We don’t deserve it, didn’t ask for it, but are forever changed by it. The darkness we experience at the Easter vigil gives rise to the resurrection and all the Alleluia’s we care to shout on Easter morning!

In hope,

Jane