The first Sunday of Advent. I wanted to go to church today, but kept running into obstacle after obstacle. Decided to sit outside in the fresh, crisp air and have my own private service. Contemporary Christian music on my ipod, the row of pine trees brhind our apartment, and the silence of early morning while others sleep. It was perfect for today. I miss being part of my church. Today is a bit of a sad one for me...feeling ungrateful in spite of my good fortune and blessings. I have lost something precious that can never be recaptured no matter how hard I work to do so.

Mary's main preparation was adjusting to the unexpected and unwished-for (this observation certainly spoke to me today...)