THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
It is pouring rain here today. That is unusual for Jackson; we are more likely to have a quick passing shower than all-day rain. Cris, Papa, and I were planning a fishing trip for today to catch another trout on our CuttSlam challenge. Instead, we've all turned to our favorite hobbies: Papa is tying flies, Cris is putting the finishing touches on the chef's knife, he forged for me, and I am in the kitchen baking.
Ten days ago, one of the other Refuge wives (we all live in a small complex near the refuge office) brought over an Amish Friendship Bread starter. Mom and I were reminiscing about the old days when she would get these bread starters. After ten days fermenting, today was the day to divide up the batter and bake the bread.
I've been in the kitchen baking more lately. I miss baking professionally. As someone who loves rules and discipline, baking suits me well. If I follow the recipe, things will turn out just the way they should. If only life worked that way always. Unfortunately, life is far less predictable. Spending time praying for my high school friend that died this week, I'm reminded that life is far too short. That all moments are precious.
The readings for today remind us that we must live our lives for Christ. "Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 10:38-39). We endure. We comfort one another during times of sorrow, and we share in each other's joy.
We might not be fishing together today, but there's warm bread to share instead. We grow in faith and love when we let go and let God—humbly realizing that God's plans are not our plans.