November 25, 2005

My Journey to God

Thanksgiving

The family gathers for a day of food, football and
putting up the Christmas tree.
Another holiday on the brink of
the season of anticipation.

Decorations of the secular have hung for the past
month in every store.
Dollar signs flash in the storeowners’ eyes.
Forgetfulness.

In the silence of meditation, I think of the cave
Warmed by animal heat that might have been home to
the Mother and tiny babe.
Husband, Joseph, keeping watch during the long night.

Mary, a new mother, holding the just-born Jesus.
Did Mary unwrap the newborn
to look at fingers and toes?
Did she examine tiny hands and feet
as mothers do today?

Tiny hands and feet of the Savior,
made flesh to dwell among us,
a picture to carry within my heart,
a portrait of unconditional love,
a joyful anticipation of thanksgiving—
the young mother,
the tiny babe.

By Trudy Bledsoe

(Trudy Bledsoe is a member of St. Christopher Parish in Indianapolis and the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites in Indianapolis.)

 

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