Sunday Gratitude – 17.XII.2023

(Forgive me for being late on this – I got frustrated with finding images and decided to leave it for a bit rather than let the frustration get too out of hand. 

I missed the Feast Day of Santa Lucia (St. Lucy). It’s a big deal in Sweden, especially, but Lucia is strongly associated with the light, and in the knowledge and hope that the light is coming. And… Even though I missed commemorating the day, I’m grateful that as much as so much has been incredibly difficult, this may be the turning point to head into the light. 

(My Swedish grandmother had this thing that looked suspiciously like a St. Lucia crown, though it probably was too heavy. My sister and I would sneak it out of the side table and play with it by putting it on our heads. It wasn’t going to break, but we weren’t supposed to be playing with it. I still kind of wonder if it weren’t an antique St. Lucia crown.) 

I’m grateful that people are praying for me and the kids.

I’m grateful that as dreary as the weather has been, there hasn’t been a lot of snow, and the temperatures haven’t been terribly cold.

I’m grateful that, God willing, there are friends whom we haven’t seen in months coming to visit. 

I’m grateful for friends, and friendships old and new.

I’m grateful for the patience so many people have had with me.

I’m grateful for church and the people and the priests. 

As always, I am thankful for you.

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