09.26.2025 | Ordinary Friday

A Moment of Grace in the Garden
One of my favorite things in the garden is when something unexpected just happens. A surprise that makes us slow down, look twice, and smile. It helps, of course, when you spend an inordinate amount of time puttering about, noticing the small things.
 
This year, we discovered a cluster of Moss Rose plants springing up seemingly out of nowhere. We certainly hadn’t planted them among the peonies—but there they were, bold and beautiful. We gently dug them up and moved them to a sunnier spot where they could truly thrive. Now, each morning, they greet us along the walking path—a quiet offering of grace.
 
This morning, we find grace in the garden.
 
We come for peace, escaping the noise of the outside world. It’s early and still. The birds sing softly in the background. My coffee is warm in my hands, a comfort on this slightly chilly September morning.
We come for beauty—and walk away slightly transformed.
 
We come to share a moment in creation with our Creator. A moment of prayer. A prayer for renewed hope. A prayer to become more loving. More gentle. More tender.
 
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." — Lamentations 3:22–23
 
A moment of grace in the garden.
 
May you find your own moment of grace today—unexpected, unearned, and quietly blooming where you least expect it. That’s all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.