My Today

in my ever so meager way, I would like to relate an event that has shaped my day...
Late last night, after some minor discussion over our piling bills, I was trying to decide what I ought to do about them. Do I do the head strong sort of thing that would be my instinct to just 'fix it' my way, or do I pray for guidance and let my husband be the head of our home and cross that bridge, etc? I said a short prayer, a measly offering from my simple self. I remembered that the Brotherhood of St George was having the liturgy at 7am every thursday, but I had never been. I woke up at 6:21 after broken sleep, but many odd dreams. I was strangely awake and I got into the shower, got dressed, wrote a note for Katherine and Jay and slipped out the door. The drive was amazingly easy considering the morning rush. Got to the area (had no real address since the computer had been down, but remembered the area), got myself duly lost, ended up at the Greek Cathedral and asked for directions. The woman graciously let me in before office hours and printed me a map from point A to B, good thing it was only a few blocks. I had driven by it a number of times, it is sort of inconspicuous in a neighborhood. In any case, I showed up not sure what to expect. There was a man at a long table outside setting it for breakfast, I assumed. I went inside the quiet little house and found 2 more men quietly, dutifully bustling to get the meal served. A moment or two later, Fr Christodoulos came up the stairs, so I asked a blessing. He asked me to join them outside, so I accepted, he set me next to him since I was the guest.
This is the part where I marvel at the order of things through the silent, symbiotic obedience, humility and hospitality that I was able to experience. I was a simple passer through, but treated as royalty...I never had such a sense of wonder since I was a child. I did not have any desire to speak unless I was asked a question, lest I completely miss something. I was in awe of the simplicity of the silence, compassion and love for neighbor more than self. You read about this sort of thing in books, I am only fortunate, however unworthy, to have been there this morning for that hour or so. *sighs* I almost forgot! After the royal hospitality, I was sent home with a couple items, among them fresh fruit and veggies from their garden.
Anyway, I came away with more peace and faith than I went in with and I believe we will be going back tomorrow for vespers (if we make it) and the Paraklesis at 7pm. Wish you could all be with us to go. X's and O's!