“No man has ever prayed heartily without learning something.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Nature”
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
My family is heading into this sadder, weightier Christmas time, but my heart is gravitating toward simple expressions of faith and comfort. I suppose this is what happens to all of us when we are so nearly confronted with grief and death. Small things resonate with me, like the verses from Psalm 4 (one of my favorites, probably because of the influence of Jennifer Knapp on my teenage self) that Guion read to me one night when I could not stop crying: “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8). And even silly lines from Sufjan songs: “Since it’s Christmas, let’s be glad/Even if your year’s been bad, there are presents to be had.” Hugs from friends and my boss. E-mails from people I rarely see. Lasagna with these wonderful women this week:
There is hope and joy. Wishing you both during this Christmas season.
Little Stories 
I’m sorry to hear of your heavy heart this holiday season. You will be in my thoughts. These have been a difficult holiday for me and my family this year too. Hugs & prayers. ~Caroline