My grandparents on my mother's side were religious people, catholics to the core. Daily family rosary occurred regardless of whom was visiting their home. They attended Mass weekly if not daily. Nan and Granda gave up certain food items for Lent, observed all the days of obligation, fasted, went to confession, ate fish on Friday, and prayed every morning and night.
Any transgression my grandfather made, such as swearing, Nan said, "You should be makin' your soul, Gus, not at that." Granda always dismissed what Nan said about his soul. He figured his soul was "made" by the work he did to support his family and all the prayers he said throughout his life.
One Sunday last month, I spent part of the morning walking on the boardwalk by the bay. The usual population of seniors on the trail was absent. "Making their souls," I said to myself, hearing Nan's voice in my head as I walked the trail.
There was a time I would have been in church with them. This morning, my cathedral is by the bay,
my choir-the birds,
the congregation-my fellow walkers,
some of whom minister to the animals.
Nature is the sacrament.
As I drive home, I realize I have been "making my soul" today too, not as Nan did, but just as prayer-like in its own way. However, what would Nan think?
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Our daughter has one cousin, my niece Samantha. Today is her twenty-first birthday. Have a fabulous day, sweetie. You deserve the best!
13 comments:
Wonderfully said Marie.What better place to cleanse your soul. Hard to believe that Samatha is a young woman today. Wishing all the best for her.
Happy Birthday to Samantha! I wonder if she has ever heard the old song
"Twenty one today,
Twenty one today,
She's got the key of the door,
Never been twenty one before".
And I know what you mean about "making my soul", it doesn't have to be in an established place of religion, it can be anywhere that holds your heart.
I don't know if Sam knows that song but I'll pass it on to her. Thank you for the wishes.
I'll come over and sing it to her if you like!!!!
OK I don't need to sing.... here's someone else singing it
Twenty one today!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx1D2asFSig
Thank you for the link.
Thank you for your notes and smiles. I appreciate you hunting me down and returning every day.
Love this post about your grandparents. I've created one for Thanksgiving. :)
I look forward to your post.
You have found a better way to make the soul.
Nan wouldn't agree but I think so.
Thank you, Marie. Where does time go?
That day you found your cathedral by the bay, I often find my church whilst on my rambles.
Nature invites us in!
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