grace covered, full of hope.

‘you can find something truly important in an ordinary minute.’
-for one more day

Today was sort of a “break” from all the questions.
After work, i took the bus down to the St. James Cathedral.

It was quiet and serene and the atmosphere called for reflection.  The lights were low and a hundred candles filled corners under monuments of the saints and Mary.  After sitting in a pew for several minutes, I laid down with my head resting on my bag.  I couldn’t focus in enough to pray or think, so I just laid there, staring up at the stained glass reflections and golden arches.

There is something so intensely holy about the cathedral.  The smell, the streaming light, the whispered prayers.  I will be spending more time there- when I need a place to just think straight and alone.

I also stopped back in the Pike Place market to see some old friends.  After the cafe shut down, I left ‘coffee’ and since, haven’t gone downtown too often.  Anna and Annette are at the old Post Alley store still, so we had some good conversation about traveling and Christmas vacation, family, etc.  What a refreshment.  The friends I made at SBC will really stay with me in memory and in spirit.  For a long time.  It’s been difficult to remain connected (not working with them every day is possibly the culprit), but I really want to continue to make an effort with those wonderful, wonderful people.  I appreciate them so much.

I had the wonderful opportunity to lead our ‘house church’ experience this evening, and aimed to foster a discussion on the first eleven verses of Philippians.  We ate jambalaya (a newfound favorite), and taught each other a bit more about what Paul might have meant when he said to “love appropriately”- not only more, but better.  I am still wrestling with what this might look like for me, for the church, for Christians in general.

Sunday night was such an encouragement (I believe to all of us).  The faces are becoming friendships and I am excited about the progression.  Every Sunday morning, I have been serving at a youth shelter called ROOTS (Rising Out Of The Shadows) in the University District, and this last Sunday, Kari and Jeff came along.  Jeff lead with excellent professionalism, and for the first time in a long time, I felt- peace.  I guess what I mean is, I am starting to recognize faces and develop trust with these young people.  I am waking up at the buttcrack of dawn because I love them.  I seriously, deeply, compassionately love each and every child in that shelter- and I think they are finally starting to see that.  If only through a warm, joyfully prepared breakfast.  Maybe being the hands and feet of Christ really isn’t such a painful task. Could it be true that his yoke is easy, and his burden is light?

What I’m saying is; when we finally begin to discover how to use and work out the talents and passions He’s given us- it’s not always easy at the beginning, but he makes joy out of it, eventually.  The yoke becomes easier to bear, the burden gets lighter.  And this burden of love is one not to be taken lightly!