Generosity

There are so many occurrences around here I am neglecting to mention. For instance, on the traumatic week that my boy left for school, I was in a bit of an emotional haze. I couldn't really lock onto what what happening to my life. My eldest leaving, and a new baby on the way. It all seemed unreal to me.

The evening before he left, we had vespers at church for the feast of the Beheading of John the Baptist. I have mentioned before how much I love vespers, especially the anointing afterward. Our entire family went to church one last time together, until November, and sang and prayed, and worshiped God as a unit. Then we were all anointed, begging for healing of our souls and bodies, together. How soothing this was for me. Like a true mother, Holy Mother Church was laying her hands on me, consoling me and assuring me that all would be well.

Then this past Sunday evening, we again had vespers for the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos. I had spent a few nights tossing and turning, worried about my eldest, who had broken his arm, but hadn't gotten casted yet. I was fearful he was hurting, and maybe wouldn't tell anyone there he needed help. I was worried about my youngest, the baby growing inside me now, hoping all was going well. The new baby is so hidden from my view and my ability to really DO anything, just wait. Even though he or she is with me, quite closely, I feel as separated from the wee one as I do from my eldest. The two of these children of mine, close to my heart but out of my reach in different ways, were causing me distress.

Then came vespers. We prayed specifically for God to ease our distress. We begged God to hear our prayers, and the prayers of the entire church, to ease suffering. We praised the Glory of God's creation, and the depth of His mercy. Then the anointing, once again. And blessed relief.

The generosity of God through the Church can not be outdone!