We start out the day at 6:30am Mass at our home parish where Doug preaches a short homily reminding us that the rich young man in today’s gospel asked Jesus “which commands?” He also encourages us to examine our hearts as to whether there is something God is asking of us that we are unwilling to obey and, and if so, to bring that to Jesus.

My eyes, which well remember the absence of green expanses during our years in the Arizona desert, feast for miles and miles on the beauty of grass and trees on the drive North. I wonder if we could count all the wildflowers how large the number would be, and marvel at the thought that no two are exactly alike.

We also listen to a book about suffering called A Grace Disguised and, though we don’t finish it, deciding to opt for something lighter tomorrow.

We arrive at our hotel at about 4:30pm, get settled in and then head to a Mexican restaurant not too far away. It has great reviews online and doesn’t disappoint. Having only snacked in the car we’re both hungry. The spinach enchilada I order is possibly the best I’ve ever eaten and Doug feels the same way about his green chile burrito.

Earlier in the day, we got word that my 96 year old Dad was taken to the E.R. at 2am with shortness of breath and chest pains. The good news is that he has responded well to oxygen and that an EKG, CT scan and bloodwork show no fluid in the lungs, no blood clots, good kidney, bladder, and heart function. We expect more testing tomorrow to tell us more. In the meantime, we entrust our beloved dad and all those caring for him into God’s loving care.

 “If God so clothes the grass of the field . . . will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?”

-Matthew 6:30