On an early, April day, sitting in the den, I watched the sun dancing with the dust motes, brushing the desk, the door and the wall as it made its way to sunset. I was hunkered down amid the shelves that groan under the weight of books that comfort, inspire, frighten, motivate and entertain me, recalling the months Tom took designing then making them for my biblio-obsession.
As I sat, nestled in the well-worn easy chair – does anyone else use that term anymore? – I watched the journey of the sunlight until it landed on the small, shelved mirror on the wall. The mirror has a small drawer-like shelf that seemed to be crafted just for me to put things, which I have done over the course time.
One of the items slipped into mirror’s shelf is the remains of a chrysalis, found a few years ago when I happened upon a cocoon hidden in the long grasses of our little prairie. After monitoring the little miracle (my neighbors must think me a tad “off”) I missed the emergence. I took the long stem and remains indoors and settled it into the small shelf drawer . You can find that story here.
So it was that the sun kissed the remnants of what was and what would be. I sighed, grateful for the reminder that out of uncertainty and chaos we can find hope.
There will be no palms this Sunday. No gatherings in churches, temples and other houses of worship. Whether Christian, Jewish, Hindu – our collective tents have their doors shuttered for the time being. They will open again, someday in the future. Until then, we must take care to not shutter our hearts. It may be a long wait, but, it will happen. Until then, let us open up our hearts to love, to hope, to peace.
Lifeonthecutoff's Blog 
What a lovely and poetic blog post Penny! It sounds like you were in meditation. Also, you’re very lucky to have a husband that builds bookshelves! Stay safe.
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Oh, Janet, thank you ever-so-much. I appreciate your words. Yes, indeed. I am lucky. Take care.
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This is, quite simply, a beautiful post, Penny. Thanks.
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You are more than welcome, Karen. Thank YOU for you kind words.
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Thank you for this reminder of hope and peacefulness. We need it right now.
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You are very welcome, Janet. I need to remind myself. Take care.
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My heart is hurting to think of no Holy Week services, especially Easter Mass. And usually I have about 20 people over for Easter. Don’t think we’ll even have our young adult kids over, except the one who is temporarily living with us. Maybe we’ll Skype with them. It is all necessary, but I hope I never again take my “normal” life for granted.
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I share that hurting heart, Sue. We, too, usually have a gathering which won’t happen this year. I’ll make a nice meal, but, just the two of us. 😦 Our granddaughter had a birthday recently, 10! Wow! Our Jennifer set us all up remotely on ZOOM and we celebrated together. It’s not the same as being in the same room, but, it was special.”normal” will always have a new meaning, won’t it?
While not the same as attending services in person, is your church live-streaming services?
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I’m glad the Zoom session worked out for your granddaughter’s birthday. We three went for a walk yesterday and saw two grandparents standing on the sidewalk shouting “Happy Birthday” to their grandchild on the porch. Interesting times. Yes, I’m thinking of doing Zoom for Easter with our young adults that live outside our home. I’m fortunate my Church has been recording the services and will do so for Holy Week. I hope yours does as well. I’ve been attending and am grateful we live in this age and have the technology.
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We are, indeed, in interesting times and fortunate to have the technology, Sue. It makes connecting a little easier, though I miss hugs – even our own here at home. I worry not so much for myself but should I pass it on to Tom who is Type1 Diabetes. We’re hoping for hug for our anniversary in May. 🙂 I am glad that you are able to attend services online. Yes. Ours is streaming and has services recorded as well. It is a blessing to be able to connect in this way – but looking forward to being back in our houses of worship.
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Oh my Penny, how beautifully you craft your words to remind us of what many of us are feeling and that during these disquieting times we can find peaceful moments we might not have taken the time for before all this.
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Thank you, Vickie. I’m struggling with watching/listening to the news and finding peace. My walks help. Take care.
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I’m late to the party. But I echo the remarks about the beauty of this post. We’re living in strange times. I so agree that we can open ourselves to love.
May you have peace this week, Penny!
I’m grateful for my church’s livestream every Sunday!
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It’s never too late, L. Marie, and I’m always happy to hear from you. Thank you for your kind words.
Peace – to you as well.
Isn’t it amazing how many churches have offered live streaming? We will long remember this Easter. While I was still in my jammies on Palm Sunday, I actually got all gussied up on Easter Sunday. 🙂 Take care.
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So peaceful and beautifully written, Penny! This truly is a time to open our hearts and share them. It is comforting to know that so many people share the same feelings. Hugs are one of my love languages and I am really missing them during this time. Stay safe!
Sending hope, peace… and air hugs, my friend! 💗
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Yikes! How did I miss your comment, Dawn. Sorry.
I am missing hugs, too. Today (Tuesday) was a day I could have used one. Air hugs for the time being -but all well eventually be well. Thanks for visiting.
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How beautifully poignant Penny: ‘the remnants of what was and what would be’. Such is our time. Good wishes to you. I guess you are missing the family, as I am mine. But we are having story sessions online and that’s fun.
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Thank you so much, Juliet. Good wishes to you as well. Yes, I’m missing the family. I think what makes the longing even-more-so is not knowing when we ill be able to be together. Thank goodness for technology. We face timed with one and zoomed with the other yesterday. Take care, my dear friend across the miles. Stay safe.
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Dear Penny, I hope you two remain well (and also of course your “families”.) I have visited your more times lately than you could probably guess, but somehow haven’t found the words to thank you for your meditative posts. They are reminders of the good. We are well, but it does sometimes feel like we’re fighting through a miasma every day in order to remain that way.
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Thank you, Sallie. We are all fine, for which I am thankful – as I am thankful for your kind words. They mean a lot to me. Miasma – a perfect word for our times. Take care – and keep posting.
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