With profound thanks to the parish of St James, Wooster, Ohio and their rector, the Rev. Evelyn Manzella for their hospitality; and gratitude to my family for letting me go 🙂

My day typically begins with a cup of tea (after the ritual feeding of the cats: the morning offering to the beasts which saves my toes from peril). My cups of tea tend to follow me around the house, often getting lost along the way, or even forgotten and started anew.

About halfway through the afternoon, having arrived at the Upper Room a little after lunchtime, I realized that my cups of tea were sitting still, as was I, in the kitchen with my book, and that they (nor I) had no inclination to roam. Peace presided, prayer came easily, stillness refreshed my soul.

My spiritual director suggested that I print and frame my cup of tea photo, in case of more anxious days to come.