I see His face

I woke up this morning with a simple tune in my head that seemed to need words, so I sat down and wrote some. It needs the music with it, really, and will need lots of refinement, but this is where the song stands at the moment:


I See His Face

I see His face behind a plastic shield,
His gentle gaze above the tight-fit mask.
He looks into the eyes of the dying
and holds their hand when family can't be near.

I see His face in many all around me
who do their work in spite of their own fear,
the postal workers, surgeons, and the grocers,
interpreters for those who cannot hear.

(Refrain:)
  We're told to have His visage in our countenance
  that when He comes we'll know Him right away.
  I'll have no trouble recognizing Deity
  because He's here around me every day.

The teacher reading stories in the driveway,
the trucker who would rather be at home,
the children gathered 'round their Grandpa's window
to remind him he is loved and not alone.

Delivering meals, they follow the Deliverer,
standing apart they act as one.
The parent turning into teacher, barber,
counselor, cook, and nurse, they're never done.

(Refrain)

In quiet ways continuing what they always do,
caring, loving, serving in His place,
but now we are aware,
we see they've always been there,
and now that we can see, we see His face.

Six Weeks In

Not a bit stir crazy yet! I'm kind of surprised. I knew I was an introvert, but I hadn't realized just how much I enjoy the quiet home life. And as the weather slowly improves and I can get out into the garden, it will be even more enjoyable. I am content to putter and read and dig and bake and crochet. I really don't need much else. The only thing I really miss is being able to cuddle my grandkids.

What I've Been Doing

Another set of kitchen towels fresh off the loom.

Food in the Time of Cholera---er---Covid

Threw some bread in the bread machine this morning. Thought about making the fat-free loaf, and then thought, "I'm planning to put beans and wieners on it. What's the point?"

Why is it that food tastes so much better right now, while we're staying at home? Is it just that our stressed-out bodies are craving fat and sugar right now to comfort themselves? Or is it that we're finally taking the time to slow down and taste our food without other distractions? How often did I used to eat at my desk, typing at the computer with one hand while holding a sandwich in the other? How often did I drag home at the end of the long work day and throw together just any old thing for supper that was quick and easy? And then eat it mindlessly in front of the television?

This quiet time at home is the chance to redefine our relationship with food. And when I consider it's almost time to start growing vegetables in the garden, I am giddy with joy. The snap of pea pods, the crunch of radishes, the soapiness of carrots, the abundance of kale... God was very kind when he allowed us to help with this tiny bit of creation.

I just have to share this

You may know I work for eleven physicians, and so this video that appeared on Facebook especially touched me. So beautiful. I hope this link works.

Physician Choir

These Are Quiet Days

These are quiet days,

busy lives grown calm and slow,

daily noise distilled to this:

soft humming in the kitchen,

wind whistling at the window,

snapping flames in the fireplace.

No longer in high motion,

multi-tasking, dashing out.

Steps confined to the back yard,

we take the time to listen,

feel, ponder, and to wonder

at bright stars, bird song, sunrise.

No more lunch gulped in the car;

now there's the chance to savour

tart oranges, crisp apples,

nourishment for heart and mind.

There's time for contemplation,

grounding the soul, sheltering.

It's not the time to make plans,

bustle, dream up big journeys.

Content instead with today,

this moment's small joys enough,

full of thanks for simple things,

family and home.

- K (written for my brother's birthday spent quietly at home)

The Covid 19 (pounds)

I have a theory that my body can tell I'm a bit anxious right now, so it's dashing around in a panic saying, "Oh my word, something's wrong. Is it famine? Maybe it's famine. Let's get her to eat all the carbs and sugar she can RIGHT NOW in case it's famine!"