The Week in Review

I wore soft sweaters. Ate too many cookies. Meandered through days without demand.

An old woman who rarely speaks, stared, and asked: Do you like me?

Yes, I replied quickly, I love you. And felt the relief of a truth.

A leaden sky blurred time. I fought a sadness that did not take root.

Caught in holiday softening, I forgave grievances and felt goodwill.

Fall on your knees became my new refrain.

I was reminded of the real work ahead.

The Work of Christmas

When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with their flocks,
the work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,
to heal the broken,
to feed the hungry,
to release the prisoner,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among the people,
to make music in the heart.

— Howard Thurman

It's Thankful Thursday, a weekly pause to express appreciation for people, places, things and more. Some weeks are tougher than others, but every week offers some small thing that redeems and heals. What are you thankful for today?