Epiphanies come in unexpected places. My most recent one came at the Hair Cuttery.
The place was abuzz in the mid-afternoon, a hive of sounds and scents enough to block normal perception. Sally, my loquacious operator, wrapped the buzz close around me.
As she clipped and chatted, I glanced into the mirror, past my shoulder toward the back row of washstands. An old, and obviously fragile, woman was having her hair washed. But the simple act of leaning back, eyes closed, had unsettled her. The stylist was motioning to an old man to come from the front of the store.
He was a picture in crumpled greys. Age and exhaustion seemed to have robbed him of the crispness people don before they venture out. But his eyes were sharp and his attention focused on the small plea rising from his wife.
He simply took her hand and stood silent while the operator completed her task. He was an icon of both vulnerability and strength; she of fragility and trust. But together, in that handclasp, they were holy and eternal.
I realized that I had seen, reflected in that mirror, another Incarnation. Their moment was a prayer made visible. It was the love of God made flesh.
On my way out of the shop, I passed him, now reseated in the waiting area. I told him how moved I was by his gentle gesture and its expression of his devotion. He smiled and said, “Would you believe I just met her last week?”
I paused a moment before he continued, chuckling, “No, I have loved her like that for sixty-four years.”
Driving home, I felt my heart reach for God.
“Stay beside me like that in my weaknesses, even in my unfounded fears. Just a hand to hold is all I ask. Just your steady presence within reach is all I need.”
Another great reflection!!! I need this to hold onto too!
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A beautiful story – and prayer! Thanks for sharing!!
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Such a beautiful image/story of incarnational love. Thank you.
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You amaze me in finding God’s Love in the ordinary! Oh how I appreciate you insight. Love, Pat
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This story is just gorgeous! I love how you “notice”. Clearly you have eyes that see and ears that hear!
Thank you for your faithfulness to these daily reflections! I love them!
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Renee,
I just recently discovered these daily “Lavish Mercy” reflections & I love them! They are a great aid to my daily prayer. Thank you so much! I am an S.S.J. & my sister, Mary Kate McCauley, is an Associate in the Sisters of Mercy. Georgia Green is also a friend of mine. Again, thank you for your inspiring & thought provoking words!
Marge Drueding, SSJ
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Dear Marge,
I’m so delighted to have you with us at Lavish Mercy. Thank you for your encouraging note. ❤️🙏 Renee
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We are all holding hands with you as you see and share the goodness of God!
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