Some days are worse than others

Noise. Children squabble. Neighbors fight. Mothers yell and cuss. Fathers slam doors. A car stops nearby with the radio blasting disgusting obscenities toward women.  I hear the train sounding a long warning. I hear above me, the air traffic, is low today. The threatening storm will bring thunder. There are automobiles with their horns being blown repeatedly by impatient, insistent drivers. The television, the cable, the internet videos are loud with violence. Several people need something from me, right now. They are all talking to me at once. There is the demand for prompt intervention. An angry critical voice expects an answer immediately. Sibling rivalry escalates, needing the referee. I shout instructions from one room to another, "don't answer the phone! It's a bill collector." A delivery person rings the doorbell. The dog barks dramatically, relentlessly, broadcasting her intruder alert. The washer has become unbalanced, bam, bam, bam, bam! The baby wakes up, startled, and wails. Noise.

Some days are worse than others. Hang in there. Remember, this too shall pass :)

Ave Maris Stella

Hail bright star of ocean,
God's own Mother blest,
Ever sinless Virgin,
Gate of heavenly rest
Taking that sweet Ave
Which from Gabriel came,
Peace confirm within us,
Changing Eva's name.
Break the captives' fetters,
Light on blindness pour,
All our ills expelling,
Every bliss implore.
Show thyself a Mother;
May the Word Divine,
Born for us thy Infant,
Hear our prayers through thine
Virgin all excelling,
Mildest of the mild,
Freed from guilt, preserve us,
Pure and undefiled.
Keep our life all spotless,
Make our way secure,
Till we find in Jesus
Joy for evermore
Through the highest heaven
To the Almighty Three
Father, Son, and Sprit
One same glory be,

Amen.