Carry morning joy throughout the day

As I sit here writing this the rain is pouring outside with lightening brighten the sky. There is a sense of excitement about a cooler night to get a good sleep in the air. Its been a long day. 

There is a beautiful older lady at church, she is very sweet. I would guess she grew up working in the rice fields, might even still, just as she is permanently bent over. She walks around the church courtyard sweeping leafs and things that have known their way into the courtyard, before and after mass. During mass sometimes she turns around to smile and offer a bow for sign of peace. If our paths cross she lights up with a smile and hello, while I reply in the same manner yet Xin Chào! One day I will get the courage to say Chào buổi sáng! - Good morning - 

During the day I have often remembered her and smiled at the interaction together in the morning we had. It is funny how something so small brings great joy throughout the day. The gift of praying together. 

It is a privilege to pray, to audaciously summon a force beyond our personal capacity to move heaven to earth. Its easy to understand the misconception that praying is only for bedtime and pre meal recitation of reverence and gratitude. 

Although reciting prayers daily is a healthy habit, life has taught me to fully embrace the source and force of prayer. Suffering catapulted me into the reality of prayer. I think it does for everyone. Carrying our cross and meeting the Lord at the altar… 

Prayer is a powerful life source and force. And the great news is, we don’t have to pray alone or in one particular way. We can be joined by a chorus of praying people as we align with one another and reach toward hope.

It is delightful to dwell in these moments, moments of Christ love for us, during the day. 

I wonder what tomorrow will bring…..