Susan LaffertyTennis. I took lessons once upon a time. During my elementary school years. Early morning lessons to avoid the tropical midday heat of Surabaya.
I learned how to hold the racket. Practiced forehand and backhand. And remember this advice, “Keep your eyes on the ball.”
Somehow watching the ball instead of the court and other players and my racket meant I had a chance of hitting it across the net.
My parents are cleaning out cabinets. And bookshelves.
They’ve done this before. Purging. For moves across states and across the world.
But this is different. A time for downsizing. Studying space. Deciding what will fit in the next spot.
They’ll move to a smaller place. One of these days. So now they are paring down. Letting go.
They push things into my hands when I express interest in a painting. A book. “Take it.”
“How can this be…?” Mary asks. Stunned. Confused by the angel Gabriel’s announcement.
How can a virgin conceive and give birth to the Son of the Most High whose kingdom will have no end?
The angel is tender in his response to this young woman. Explaining what will happen. That the Holy Spirit will come upon her. And the power of the Most High will overshadow her.
