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Lent 2023 (Penny)

Heart Healing

I had two heart healing experiences yesterday:

1. My friend, who is a medical doctor, called from New Zealand. Her understanding of elevated blood pressure—as we age and what we can do about it—had such a calming effect on me.

2. We learned our friends had donated to the cathedral in our honor because our 40th anniversary is coming up on Easter Sunday—April 9, 2023.

Who knows if healing will show up on my blood pressure cuff today or not. Peace and quiet in my mind is better anyway. Plus all these subtle wiggles of joy as I breathe and write again today.

Why do I scare myself like that, knowing basically All Is Well?

Lent 2023 (Penny)

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.

Lent 2023 (Seyi)

2/25/2023 2:34 am

Dear The Darkness,

You are ever near, waiting for me. In these wee hours, I remember the words they recite at Compline: “your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking who he may devour.” But the words that precede it are “be sober, be vigilant”. I’ve spent the last 24+ hours in solitude and it was both sobering and escapism.

I feel much joy in the freshness of my bright new kitchen and renewal of my bathroom vanities. Yet I was wrapped in darkness as I retreated to sleep during waking hours, leaving me awake during sleeping hours. Oh Darkness, how you tempt me to despair. To fear of time and that which I do not yet see. I know you are near; I see you as you are.

And so, I shall remain vigilant at this sobering hour. I shall not fall in battle to your war on my hopes, your fire on my faith. There is always God’s Light. Even in this silent moment where I do not feel it. I trust that this moment too shall pass.

With patience,

Awaiting The Light

Lent 2023 (Penny)

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?