Beauty in tiny 'gives'

The beauty of tiny gives - my week at a small abbey

I spent a week in travel to and retreat at the Episcopal monastery, St. Gregory's Abbey, in Three Rivers, Michigan--a great time to receive simple hospitality and much-needed rest, with small opportunities for giving daily.

Tuesday (Day 14) - In transit, Union Station: Gave some minutes of attentive listening and honest laughter to a rambling old guy in the Union Station McDonalds, telling his jokes to me in a rather loud voice.

Wednesday (Day 15) - With an abbey guest: Gave gentle attention to a sister in worship who was falling asleep during the liturgy, and even in small fits while sitting in a hallway waiting for lunch. It occurred to me to ask gentle questions about her health, rather than sitting and judging in silence. She was relieved and grateful to get to tell someone about her insomnia, and offer an apology for her lack of wakefulness today.

Thursday (Day 16) - For one of the monks: Prayer for one of the monks, whom I consider a friend, and who had obviously been in distress for some days. Was grateful to see him relax into his usual self by Friday.

Friday (Day 17) - For someone unknown: Put a donation in the alms box, with the intention and understanding of the traditional concept of alms for the poor. It would have been easy to decide to reserve all gifts for the monks, themselves, so was a small and interesting stretch to give through and beyond them.

Saturday (Day 18) - Secret elf: Secretly shoveled snow from sidewalk at 6 am, before the abbey monk assigned to it could get there to do it. I was tickled to be the secret elf.

Sunday (Day 19) - Self-care: To myself I gave a day of rest and contemplation; conscious giving, not just 'giving up.'

Monday (Day 20) - As I walked a farewell through the abbey grounds: I gave thanks for the beautiful snow and the week I have gotten to spend with it. Every day of it was a gift for this southern girl who had never seen so much, especially this beautiful, powdery lake-effects snow, always whiter than white and gentle and sparkly, with so many aspects I never imagined. Wow.

Only nine days left in my first giving commitment--it has gone so fast!