Yes, I know I am behind. For the past four years I have posted every day in Lent, starting with an ashes photo.
This year though, Ash Wednesday fell between the days of Chemo Care Class and Rob’s first treatment for recurrence of bladder cancer. That and the reality that my mother turns 97 soon (with all the meaning that entails) makes it clear I will not be writing every day.
That doesn’t mean I am not observing Lent. As it turns out, the juxtaposition of these events, not to mention the darkness of our political scene, appears to be a way God is getting my attention about this holy season as never before.
I am grateful to have guest authors who may post here over these 40 days. May their presence here and in this world be a blessing to you as it is to me.
Last night as we walked home from the beach, Rob turned around to face me, smiling, almost beaming, and with the glow of the sunset on his face exclaimed, “That is exactly what I was thinking!”
He was responding to my comment, “That guy reminded me of Jesus.”
When we had arrived at the shore’s edge, an hour prior, we saw an older heavier man fall backwards onto the driftwood. We coaxed him into a better position and assured him we would stay until help came. We didn’t have to ask twice when a brown-skinned, bearded man with, presumably, his wife and tween daughter, showed up, “Can you help us?” This person was strong and gentle, perhaps EMT-trained?…everything we needed. Once he quickly assessed that we were ok, he turned his full attention to the other gentleman.
Both Rob and I were completely overcome by his graciousness. He questioned the man, helped him rise, and got him a stick, then walked off with him through the dunes and towards the vehicles. Our rescuer was completely focused and loving. And like those on the road to Emmaus long ago, we felt our hearts burning within us.
Christmas Day at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Seattle
This morning a medieval painting of Mary wrestling with the Devil landed in my inbox. Apparently she had just handed the baby Jesus to the nearby angel; he was watching his mother in prayer pose. The caption: Was Christ clapping or praying? I propose both. Isn’t applause a wonderful prayer of thanksgiving after all?
I was reminded of the fantastic concert we saw last night at Benaroya Hall, “Jewish Diaspora.” Our 11-year-old friend Yoshi and his fiddle school were featured. I sprang to my feet a few times in elation, appreciating all the performers and their God-given talents.
And now, I’m remembering a few months ago at my friend’s funeral when his wife offered almost ten minutes of thanking each and every one of us for the difference we had made in their lives, especially toward the end as she was nursing and loving him. Her words were as prayerful as anything else in the service.
Many of you know this business of aging is not for the faint of heart. When Rob had a cystectomy five years ago, none of the medical folks would have bet on his longevity. And look, we’ve enjoyed another half decade together. And another example: my mother, at 96, lives in an Adult Family Home near us. We are grateful for her caregivers and cheery attitude every day even as her light fades.
So my word for 2025? Thanksgiving!
We’re glad that Clarke and Carolina traveled here from their respective homes in Durango, CO and Concrete, WA for a week of festivities. Mom joined us for brunch on Christmas Eve. Reid Family Christmas was a waffle buffet and book exchange here on Boxing Day. How could we ask for more?
We hope the Christmas season is marvelous for you too with many reasons to be grateful.
Always Bridging 