During the pandemic I started going to church online.

Even if you’re a skeptic like me when it comes to religion, I recommend it. The ritual, the messages … they’re very grounding and comforting in a time like this.

The more I’ve been going, the more I’ve enjoyed it. It provides a sense of calm and a reset to my week when things get crazy.

Every Sunday as I head up to my room I ask if anyone wants to join me. They’re all like, “Ahh … no thanks.”

I’ve mentioned before that if you ever want your kids to leave you alone, you should just start vacuuming and they disappear for at least an hour. Well here’s another life hack: even if you don’t really want to watch church, if you tell your family you are, they all leave you alone!

Two weeks ago, the church I’ve been going to said they’re going to do a series explaining the Bible from cover to cover.

Finally understanding what I’ve been told for so long – you know, when I was bored, peeled my nail polish, and kicked Teara in the pews until we were separated – sounded appealing, but I didn’t want to commit.

Last Sunday it was mentioned again. This time I thought, “Hmm, I really would like to know more because it’s been helping me so far. I’ll ask Pa if he’s got an extra bible. He’s all religious, I’m sure he has a spare.” (Turns out he has 3.)

Here’s the weird part.

My dear friend Paula, who’s always had a presence in my life since we moved to NC, but seems to magically pop in at times when I need additional support, told me she had something for me and wanted to meet up. I hadn’t spoken to her in months, but like I said, she mysteriously shows up when I never even knew I needed her.

Long story short … she bought me a bible.

Let me write that again:

SHE BOUGHT ME A BIBLE.

Whether you’re a believer or not, you can’t tell me that this is not amazing.

It’s such a beautiful bible too. Even Pa was impressed; and he and Lol have the mack daddy of bibles – black with gold trim, and bigger than an old school Yellow Pages.

The one Paula bought me is lavender and the pages are trimmed in silver. It’s a beginners bible that explains everything.

The ribbon bookmark was placed in the book of Job (pronounced Jobe for anyone who, like me, thought it was pronounced “job” before watching Arrested Development where the brilliant Will Arnett played George Oscar Bluth Jr. aka G.O.B. but pronounced the same way.)

Without going into full detail, it was on the page about a guy named Elihu who sat quietly listening to Job and his friends, and his anger became so strong he couldn’t contain himself any longer. LOL sound familiar??? Too many signs people! Too many signs!!

Anyway, I promise I’m not going to shove religion down your throat like I’ve complained about others doing to me. I’m just suggesting that if you feel like you need something in your life, you might want to give it a try. I never imagined I’d be someone it would help, but it really has.

Merry Christmas ❤️