Changing things up with a collection of little daily stories from Holy Week. During the most somber time in our Church calendar, I asked the Lord to help me reorient myself to Him and show me examples of hope. He was gracious to grant me this desire. God is faithful.
The virtue of hope responds to the aspiration to happiness which God has placed in the heart of every man; it takes up the hopes that inspire men’s activities and purifies them so as to order them to the Kingdom of heaven; it keeps man from discouragement; it sustains him during times of abandonment; it opens up his heart in expectation of eternal beatitude. Buoyed up by hope, he is preserved from selfishness and led to the happiness that flows from charity. (CCC #1818)
The virtue of hope responds to the aspiration to happiness which God has placed in the heart of every man; it takes up the hopes that inspire men’s activities and purifies them so as to order them to the Kingdom of heaven; it keeps man from discouragement; it sustains him during times of abandonment; it opens up his heart in expectation of eternal beatitude. Buoyed up by hope, he is preserved from selfishness and led to the happiness that flows from charity. (CCC #1818)
MONDAY, APRIL 6
We were deep into a puzzle at the dining room table when one of the kids glanced up and said, “Huh…a bird’s up in the nest.” This is third spring that we’ve observed new life in this nest we lovingly call our BirdBNB. The mamas come, adding a little moss here and another twig there, and then settle into the job of keeping their babies warm and safe. When our latest tenant flew away, I took a quick peek and there they were: five perfect little eggs. In just a few short weeks, there will be five little baby faces poking out.
Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?” – Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?” – Matthew 6:26
TUESDAY, APRIL 7
The kids were so excited to see the pink supermoon, supposedly the biggest and brightest moon of this year. At bedtime, we craned our necks to get a peek, but the clouds were many and dark. I knew it would already be a stretch to see it clearly at only 8:00 and I was disappointed along with them. We were just about to go inside when – there it was! – a faint outline in the sky. The moon was visible for only seconds before another cloud covered it up, but that little glimpse was such a gift.
Praise the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy endures forever…The moon and stars to rule the night, for his mercy endures forever. – Psalm 136:1,9
(first picture is from the outside and the second shows the reflection on the wall inside)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8
Since we can’t go to church, we’re bringing a little part of our church home to us. Two of the kids and I created a “stained glass window” on our door using painter’s tape and washable paint. It turned out so beautiful! I especially marveled at the way the morning light reflected the lines onto the wall inside.
Arise! Shine, for your light has come, the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you. Though darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds, the peoples, Upon you the Lord will dawn, and over you his glory will be seen.
– Isaiah 60:1-2
– Isaiah 60:1-2
THURSDAY, APRIL 9
I was listening to TJ tell me a long story about some Lego creation and I couldn’t help thinking about how far he has come. Two years ago, his speech was so limited and we translated his needs with a lot of finger pointing. Back then, we prayed and hoped that we could help him find his voice, but it felt like a very big mountain to climb. Through patience and his hard work, my boy is now jabbering away. We get to hear his sense of humor and listen to what is deep in his heart. I smile from ear to ear when I hear him say words with that final consonant sound, a feat I wasn’t sure we’d ever reach!
…Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Matthew 19:14
I was listening to TJ tell me a long story about some Lego creation and I couldn’t help thinking about how far he has come. Two years ago, his speech was so limited and we translated his needs with a lot of finger pointing. Back then, we prayed and hoped that we could help him find his voice, but it felt like a very big mountain to climb. Through patience and his hard work, my boy is now jabbering away. We get to hear his sense of humor and listen to what is deep in his heart. I smile from ear to ear when I hear him say words with that final consonant sound, a feat I wasn’t sure we’d ever reach!
…Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Matthew 19:14
FRIDAY, APRIL 10 – GOOD FRIDAY
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace. – Luke 1:78-79
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Today has been a flurry of preparations for tomorrow, although it will look very different from the norm. No carefully chosen toys and chocolates in their baskets. No new dresses and pressed collared shirts. No filling the pews tightly with parishioners and friends. No dinner with loved ones. Our day tomorrow will be simple, but it will be good. Our children will still hunt for eggs in the craziest of places. They will find baskets full of junk food and a book. (I have a feeling this will still be a big hit.) We will still pray and worship a living God. We will still gather around the table for a good meal. I am excited for tomorrow.
“Do not fear! Stand your ground and see the victory the Lord will win for you today…The Lord will fight for you; you have only to keep still.” – Exodus 14:13-14
Today has been a flurry of preparations for tomorrow, although it will look very different from the norm. No carefully chosen toys and chocolates in their baskets. No new dresses and pressed collared shirts. No filling the pews tightly with parishioners and friends. No dinner with loved ones. Our day tomorrow will be simple, but it will be good. Our children will still hunt for eggs in the craziest of places. They will find baskets full of junk food and a book. (I have a feeling this will still be a big hit.) We will still pray and worship a living God. We will still gather around the table for a good meal. I am excited for tomorrow.
“Do not fear! Stand your ground and see the victory the Lord will win for you today…The Lord will fight for you; you have only to keep still.” – Exodus 14:13-14
SUNDAY, APRIL 12 – EASTER!
Alleluia! He is Risen! We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!
Oh death! Where is your sting?
Oh hell! Where is your victory?
Oh Church! Come stand in the light!
Our God is not dead, He’s alive! He’s alive!
Those five eggs can't help but make me think of our Tabitha!
Your stained glass is gorgeous! What a fun idea!
And oh what a blessing his little voice must be. (At least most days. Hah!)
I loved reading this, my friend.
And I LOVED getting your sweet Easter card.
Your bookmark came at exactly the right time, as I started Anne of Avonlea yesterday (on Easter) and that's when Josh brought the mail in and I opened your card. #perfection
I love your heart.
Happy Easter, friend!
P.S. Anne is the perfect character to read during these crazy times…I need to add a little Anne in my life too!
Wow! Your stained glass window looks awesome! I loved reading the scriptures that went along with each day, and I'm glad your Easter week was a good one 🙂
Looking up verses to go with my stories was such a fruitful spiritual exercise for Holy Week. I really should do it more often. Happy Easter, friend!
The stained glass is amazing and that nest is just beautiful. Happy easter, He is risen!
Happy Easter, Laura! I hope you are finding ways to celebrate this joyous time despite the quarantine.