Little notes
thoughts on patience, presence, and perseverance
Bonjour my beloved friends!
It is a new week, which means it is Monday night and I’m on another plane and it’s time to write this newsletter that I have committed to sending to you every Tuesday morning.
But today, I don’t really know what to write about. I feel like there are lots of things going on but I’m in the “middle” of them all and nowhere near far enough away to write about them with any idea how they’re going to turn out, or the hindsight to offer a “ahh, my dear friends, here’s why this all makes sense! Yay!”
I recently heard someone refer to heaven as the “land of answers” and I think that’s the most lovely vision. One day we will get those answers! It may not be in this life, but it will definitely be in the next.
So instead I’ll just show up here and share a few little reflections from this week:
Wedding Vows
I spent the weekend in Chicago for a dear friend’s wedding. It was beautiful. I’m always so grateful to be invited to witness two incredible people pledging their lives to one another, before God and their families. I think this might have been the first wedding where the gravity of the vows really sunk in. You’re pledging to each other… for the rest of your lives.
At the end of the wedding vows, the bride and groom pledge to one another “all the days of my life.” And that struck me because “all the days of our life” doesn’t start on your wedding day. The bride and groom are offering one another all the days of their lives — even the ones before they ever met. And it made me think about how I’m living my life, and if every day is something I’d be proud to offer someone out of love. An interesting reflection to bring to prayer.
Not today, Satan
A man got on my plane wearing a “Not today, Satan” hat and it truly made me laugh out loud. I feel like that’s been my rallying cry recently. Satan doesn’t win unless we stop running to Jesus. As I’ve told the Lord a few times in recent weeks, “Jesus, I’m not giving up on You. Please don’t give up on me!”
Patience + faith
The readings on Sunday (and the homilies I heard on podcasts and at mass) all emphasized the importance of patience in faith. God is always on the move, even when we don’t perceive Him. My little prayer this week, “God, please reveal Yourself to me in this (moment, situation, problem, day, person)!” It’s a great way to catch glimpses of Him.
The gift of presence
I saw a dear friend from my SF days in Chicago on Saturday morning. We don’t get to catch up too often, but she is such a warm and cozy heart and received me so generously. What meant the most wasn’t what she said or the encouragement she offered — it was that she simply listened and responded in love. I hope I am the kind of friend whose presence can be a similar gift.
In Christ,
Jane
What I’m loving lately
A fire podcast episode on this week’s readings
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
I re-read this last week and it’s so, so sweet and good. There’s something lovely about reading “children’s books,” and I find that when things are a bit chaotic, they’re some of the best things I can pick up and fall into. It’s been ages since I picked this one up, and it was just as magical and deep and funny and good as I remember.
Philz Coffee
All y’all who are lucky enough to live by a Philz… enjoy a honey haze for me. I had one every morning I was in Chicago. My very favorite coffee drink!
Hill House moment
I’m having a true moment with Hill House… I got four of their dresses in my latest Nuuly, and just bought two more on super sale. I LOVE them because it’s so easy to look put together but you literally just throw on a dress and some sneakers. So easy, so fun, and I get a zillion compliments. Here are some of my recent favorites:
Prayer intentions
For Allegra, a friend’s mom in critical condition
For Gab and baby Noah!
For a special intention