conjectural navel gazing; jesus in lint form

some casual musings

I lit a candle and some insense this morning. This is not all that unusual for me. What is new, however, is that there are now icons on the east wall where I do this little ritual. I pray for the coming day. I light a candle. I muse over some concerns, sometimes simply sending my anxiety to God and nothing else.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world. Have mercy on us.

That is my usual prayer. Now I have some company. It is not very baptist of me, but I am not alone. There are baptists that I know that have icons around. That means something somehow.

St. Benedict, St. George, St. Vincent de Sales, Mary and Elizabeth, Mary Magdelene, the Baptism of Jesus, The Naming of the Animals by Adam, the Last Supper, the weding feast at Cannaa and an icon to the Holy Spirit...I am in very good company. I would like to add St. Cecilia to the roster some day. That will come.

When I light the candle, the shadows trace across the surface of the images. Smoke winds its way up the wall, living for a short time in the corner where the ceiling and wall meets. The corner is otherwise dark. A statue of Mary, the Mother of Jesus stands watch. It belonged to my grandmother. She was Catholic. Converted to the Episcopal Church after she married my grandfather. She gave my my first prayer book. The statue reminds me of her. It reminds me of Mary and her desire to fulfill God's will for the world. She stands, praying for me. I love this little statue.

Prayers today for all of us, knowing that we are upheld by the arms of God. God's Love is revealed through icon and song, breeze and friendships, struggle and peace.

Posted by tripp at January 21, 2004 10:02 AM | TrackBack