Author: alwaysbridging

My Diamonds

I got to play with each of my kids this weekend. They are loving, creative professionals—a musician and a host. Fun to be with and very generous.

After nearly 40 years of marriage, they are my finest gems.

Thanks be.

The Child will Lead

There’s guidance about feasting during Lent. I’m sure it includes consciousness. When your son invites you to host a jam potluck for The Cumbieros and friends, what’s a Penitent Penny to do? Why, throw my arms wide open then serve the fine Chilean wine they’ve brought us, of course.

I knew it would be the best of evenings when my 10-year-old-violin-playing friend came through the door and gifted me with the newest version of a Captain-Underpants-type graphic novel. With so much musical talent around me, including professional opera singers, who knew the youngest one would steal my heart when he played fiddle?

Dear God,

There are times when I can see the through-line. This is one of those times. Wow, just wow. Even so, I am nervous. Forgive me. I ask that you would make me give myself over. I clearly don’t know how to release myself in your loving arms. Just let you hold me; make me the resting conduit.

In your holy name,

Amen

Heartful

I have already confessed to Rob (my husband), about all the many times I have judged him for obsessing about his blood pressure. Now I’m making a go of it. It’s all heart around here these days because my own BP cuff arrived. I hope this simply is the result of the last dregs of the cooties. I am imagining that when I go back to the doctor in three months, this pressure won’t be as high as when I birthed babies.

Yesterday in her homily, Mother Linzi told us the adult body has ~60,000 (!!) miles of vessels. That’s a lot of passageways for moving the blessed blood that nourishes me. The circulation system is quite a long stretched-out container; best not to give it more juice than it can handle.

That said, I appreciated Linzi’s other references to the amazement of embodiment, providing many opportunities to consider what has gone, and can continue to go, well.

Ash Wednesday

If you are like me, those two words conjure up thoughts and feelings of solemnity. Then it snowed during the early service. We were delighted. Even being the wuss that I am, I had a great chuckle driving home. No way would I have ventured to church at noon (my original plan) on slippery roads. Rolling over unexpectedly at 6 AM allowed for this frivolity to start the season. No snowballs were thrown, that I know of, but God had their way with me, once again.

After two years of blogging frequently during Lent, I am going to give it a whirl again. I’ve invited guest authors too. For instance, during the two weeks we travel to Israel, Palestine and Jordan, poet Seyi will chime in.

I don’t plan to share these posts regularly on Facebook, so if you want to read along, re-visit http://www.alwaysbridging.com. You are (and will be) welcome here.