I offer this afternoon a few pieces of art for contemplation, instead of the usual trappings of my happiness lists. These efforts have invited me into the drama, depth, and grace of Holy Week in a new way this year, for which I am grateful. Continue reading
“It takes a little time sometimes
To get your feet back on the ground
It takes a little time sometimes
To get the Titanic turned back around
It takes a little time sometimes
But baby you’re not going down
It takes more than you’ve got right now
Give it, give it time”
From the 1997 classic, “Takes a Little Time,” by Amy Grant, on her album, “Behind the Eyes”
Two thoughts:
1. Countless hours were spent blasting this from my CD stereo in the driveway, while I choreographed dance routines on my Roller Blades. So you think you’re a child of the 90’s?
2. Almost 20 years ago, these words reminded me that everything in my adolescent life would be okay, they were my rosary. Now, they speak to this young woman’s heart, reminding me again how long and slow life sometimes seems, and that maybe that’s a good thing.
1. Sam Smith.
This man’s music has been the soundtrack to an intense week. Having started listening to him (inspired by NPR) when I was traveling this summer, his music is an instant pick-me-up.
2. the lemon gingertini. Clearly, inspiration lurks everywhere: after sampling this cocktail at LAB last week, I came home and immediately bought an intense amount of ginger to recreate it. Here’s the recipe I’ve settled:
0.75 oz lemon juice (why not make it fresh? It’s about 1 lemon for 2 drinks)
0.75-1 oz ginger syrup (1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, about 10 inches chopped fresh ginger–in a saucepan on medium head. Let the sugar dissolve, then let the ginger steep for 45 minutes or so–low or no heat–and strain. Keep in the fridge)
2 oz gin
3. The intense week. This was my favorite. Truly. I had super meaningful breakfast, lunch, coffee, and dinner dates with dear people who challenge and inspire me; they remind me that I do this work because my deepest joy is listening to God with others. As I told one of them, “If I didn’t have a job, if I wasn’t paid, for fun–I’d just make lunch dates with friends and hear about what God is doing in their lives.”
Choir Camp is still knocking around in my head and heart, I couldn’t help but write more about it! Today, I reflect further on how God is at work in Trinity’s Choirs of Boys and Girls over on Covenant, The Living Church‘s blog. Check it out here!
May we join our brothers and sisters throughout time and space in the holy journey of Lent, inspired, perhaps, by this poem composed by our great brother, Gregory:
The glory of these forty days
We celebrate with songs of praise;
For Christ, by Whom all things were made,
Himself has fasted and has prayed.
Alone and fasting Moses saw
The loving God Who gave the law;
And to Elijah, fasting, came
The steeds and chariots of flame.
So Daniel trained his mystic sight,
Delivered from the lions’ might;
And John, the Bridegroom’s friend, became
The herald of Messiah’s Name.
Then grant us, Lord, like them to be
Full oft in fast and prayer with Thee;
Our spirits strengthen with Thy grace,
And give us joy to see Thy face.
O Father, Son, and Spirit blest,
To thee be every prayer addressed,
Who art in threefold Name adored,
From age to age, the only Lord.
– Gregory the Great, 6th Century
Hymnal 1982, number 143; (http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/l/gloryt40.htm)
hope of things not seen 