We have a tradition in our family. We keep a gratitude jar, and through the year, each of us writes moments for which we are thankful. On New Year's Eve, we open each other's slips of paper, reflect and share them. This past New Year's, A. & N. pointed out that two thirds of mine were about my work. Last week, I had the opportunity to witness how amazingly church volunteers and community agencies' staff partner to prevent hypothermia.
--
recovery is exhausting
holiday pressures, family dynamics
and disappointment
everyday recovery
from the political antics of instability
and at the same time
recovery from the mood swings of a teen
while raising her
amidst global chaos,
our own fears and frustrations
do we not long to fill the space
with compassion
that will fight against wrongdoing?
i devotedly follow the monks who walk for peace
and hope to get a glimpse
when they come through, to be in their presence
i make room under God's roof
for grace and humanity to meet me
in the eyes of strangers
who sleep on floor mats
to avoid the bitter freeze
and in their eyes
i see social justice revolutionaries
some of whom are employed
yet unable to afford rent
some of whom are veterans
yet cast away by their government
some of whom speak
more than one language and have families
yet unable to connect with loved ones
they are of every race and walk the streets
hungry. and cold. more than a bad break.
maybe together
we can take a communal breath
and promise to take care of each other
maybe together
we can take up space and draw closer
we can welcome grace,
we can look deeply into each other's eyes
and we can honor each other's humanity
