During these days when we are home most of the time, we find ourselves noticing outdoor creatures we normally don’t see.

Whenever it rains, we look outside for a rainbow.

In this pandemic time, when we can’t travel far or interact with all the people we want to be with, St. Thérèse can be a poignant source of inspiration. Her world may have been small, but her words and actions have touched thousands and thousands of hearts.

Last week I found myself longing for God’s grace. I decided I would try to find a way to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Sixteen years ago, my father walked me up the aisle of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore, and John was waiting for me at the altar.

St. Pio of Pietrelcina, whose feast day is Sept. 23, is quoted as saying, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”

Surprise! We now have a finch family of four.

God knows what is best for us. He knows when the timing is right and when we are ready for what we are asking for.

We might not have milk or pasta, but at least we have Berger cookies.

It’s been six months since our children were last in a school, six months since I went to my office for the workday, and six months since I’ve interacted in a normal way with people outside my immediate household.