January 24, 2025
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their hard work. If either should fall, one can pick up the other. But how miserable are those who fall and don’t have a companion to help them up! Also, if two lie down together, they can stay warm. But how can anyone stay warm alone? Also, one can be overpowered, but two together can put up resistance. A three-ply cord doesn’t easily snap. ~ Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Common English Bible
This is the first day that I have felt ready to write since the cold snap. The weather in this neck of the woods and the massive wildfires in southern California seem to be nature’s way of saying enough is enough. And the inauguration of the 47th President of the U.S.A. added it a climatic exclamation mark. I have felt like my heart was freezing.
Amid all the current challenges I hesitated to post about the wonderful, joyful visit we had with our two youngest granddaughters over the long Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Saturday we took the dogs for a walk then made a few snowpersons with snow still on the ground from the last storm, spent time in the basement on a variety of art projects with a little bit of basement hockey thrown in, went to the beauty salon for haircuts, and ended the day seeing Moana 2. Sunday was slower paced, with time to enjoy the half foot of new snow before the temperatures dropped in the evening. We made more snow people, created snow angels, and build small snow walls to provide protection for a snowball fight. At one point in the day, I remarked to Rod that this is why we have grandchildren – so I have people to play with in the snow.
At the same time, like the lingering cough from bronchitis, was the irony of celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the inauguration of our 45th President on January 20. Maybe Hell could freeze over! My heart felt that way.
Then I remembered the joy of working together to build a snowperson, helping each other stack the snowballs. I recalled the not-so-little girls helping me build my snow wall and then reminding me to make a supply of snowballs, so I’d be prepared. I was badly outnumbered! At one point, one of the girls spontaneously said to me, “Nana, I love you!” That melted my heart.
Then on Tuesday, the Right Rev. Mariann Budde’s preached a sermon at the inaugural prayer event at the National Cathedral that spoke truth with graciousness, courage and love. Her words of justice and love give me hope in this very dark political season. I hope I will do the same if I ever have the opportunity.
I believe that the only way I can keep from letting my heart be frozen is to keep a record of all the good, beautiful, loving, just, hopeful images in the days ahead. The writer of Ecclesiastes speaks of the need to work together. One way we can do that is to share and save our stories of hope. I’d love to hear your stories as well. This is not the end of the world. This is the time to be on the lookout for good, beautiful, loving, and just actions and moments, and to do good, beautiful, loving and just actions as we can. Together, we can keep our hearts warm. ~ Anne
Wayfinding 