As my car slid for the fourth time on the ice, a block ahead I saw a family of deer prance with ease. As a parent’s eyes filled with tears for a softer world for their child, I noticed a squirrel looking in with his tiny hands against his heart. For some reason, as a young boy would not look up, I pulled my arm high into my sweatshirt and waved an arm-less sweatshirt sword in the air, laughing “Have at you!” He whose eyes would not look up, locked into mine with laughter and he drew his own sleeved sword. I pondered the lives lost with the Christmas storms, the destruction, and those forced to leave their flooded and damaged homes. As I pondered I noticed the geese flying across the snow capped mountains and wispy clouds on their journey home.

Sometimes the world seems so paradoxical, topsy turvy, and clashing contradictions. Reflecting upon the day, my palms lie open in my lap and my head bows into my chest. Raising my head, my hands gather all the images and press them against my heart. Quietly, softly, I pray the morning prayer I read not knowing what the day would hold. The movement of head, hands, and breath dissolves the paradoxes and clashing contradictions. Whispered Grace….