Even on holiday
I rise early
to let the day in
and witness the light
resurrect a landscape.Outside,
© 2019 Laurel Archer
the Grey Jays, already
dressed in morning coats, play
at gathering breakfast – butterflies
unfortunately dew laden
and still lazy in the grass;
outflying each other,
eager for the day, performing
aerial wizardry,
all before six a.m.
Smiling, I rise
for another coffee.
Awake and awakening,
I’ll get there.
It’s best to begin Sabbath right at the edge of the day, before the list of concerns pile up — which can happen, even on holiday. For me, Sabbath includes church, in the traditional definition anyway. Since becoming a pastor however, Sunday is usually not restful, but here on holiday, this Sunday opened differently.
We don’t often attend church together as a family. The last time was Christmas Eve service. So here at my brother’s church we had an opportunity to be together. Always we hold these things lightly — it may not work but I have to push myself a little, stretch for it. We come to the table just as we are and are accepted.
Caleb wavered at the start, not having his comforting hoodie, I asked my niece if I could use her daughters little white jacket to put on Caleb’s neck. It wasn’t enough and he was getting more agitated. Then, a lady sitting behind us, saw Caleb’s discomfort and brought her son’s hoodie to me for Caleb. A small kindness that brought solace to him and allowed us all to remain through the whole service – a Sabbath grace.
The rest of the day was easy movements of togetherness, conversation, meals shared and play. Perfect.
