They say that the devil is in the details. Certainly, the details waken me in the middle of the night. I struggle to silence them. I chafe at the coordination of the absolutely normal changes that occur when trying to engage many persons in various parts of the same effort. I am just not good with details. As the saying goes, “I would rather be hiking.”
Then, God shows up. He (s/he/they?) reminds me that I am one of the details. “Quiet yourself. Surrender. I will take care of everything.”
God rained down over and over this week. Here are just a few examples:
- Last Saturday Fr. Don realized we did not have a Lighthouse pulpit announcement, and we needed one. So, we announced the Lighthouse Hike after each of the masses.
- After Mass, we had people waiting in line to talk to us about the Lighthouse Hike. Just like that, Fred and I were overwhelmed by love, grace, and a community wanting to participate. Each person who joins for a meal, a ride, or a hike — or even in prayer – is strengthening a web of holy connections. Each one adds to the beauty of the Lighthouse Hike.
- Monday I was talking to my healthcare insurance agent and casually reminded her I would be out of pocket during the hike.
- She shared that her neighbor had just returned from a mission trip to Belize, and she was feeling a similar call. We chatted about the Lighthouse Ride and Hike. She donated, read the blogs, and shared her neighbor’s contact information. She wants to know more about Belize education. Our little community grew.
- Yesterday I indulged in a mani-pedi, not for vanity but to minimize the risk of tearing fingernails and toenails on the trail. I was crunchy that I had to spend this time sitting rather than doing.
- The oldest son of yesterday’s manicurist had previously ridden the Katy Trail. She knew all the questions to ask: how heavy is your pack? How far will you hike each day? How will you stay safe? … This quiet Vietnamese woman engaged me wholly. She blessed me with extra massage and her soulful spirit. I left filled up.
God shows up. Even when I am crunchy, selfish, or overwhelmed. God shows up. And, when I let go, Grace abounds.
God be with us! We start our trek Monday, March 9!