Religion

 A recent Time magazine article intrigued me. The topic was mindfulness. More specifically, it was titled “The art of being mindful.”  I stopped in my tracks. Typically, one would imagine this process or action would be considered a science, not an art. One might imagine a list of things to do that would lead to awareness. To think of it as an art changes everything.

 It is a rare and wonderful opportunity to read and review a book written by a college classmate and friend. Rarer yet is the chance to travel deeply into the life and spirit of a woman who has endured, survived, and been transformed by the experiences of two assaults on humanity: the Nazi and Soviet invasions and conquests of the Baltic countries.

Annually, the first Friday of March draws attention to the World Day of Prayer, a time to gather as God’s people in prayerful contemplation and petition regarding global cares and concerns. Each year, women of a designated nation prepare the service, which is then disseminated universally and, optimally, used for worship across the globe simultaneously — no matter the time zone. This year, the theme is Streams in the Desert. Its dual focus is on Egypt and the Scriptural story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well.

With truth in teasing, Hubby Dear has often confronted me with a statement delivered to the air surrounding us. “It must be wonderful to be perfect. One day, perhaps, I will be as perfect as you are.” His sarcasm does not suffer from subtlety! With sword swiftness it cuts through to the heart of the matter, exposing the marrow of my need to be in control. Being perfect — as I was perceived — is in no way identical to being perfected! As Scripture says, my husband catches me, the “wise one,” in the throes of my craftiness.