tears shed in church (ii)

I made a visit to dear ol' UVa in the last week of August to attend CCF Welcome Dinner and to see many wonderful folks, but more specifically my First Years who are now Fourth Years?!? Another post about that later. Tempus fugit, fo' real.

On my way to my many rendezvous with said folk, I stopped over by the Chapel.

I just happened to cross its path on the way to the Corner and it seemed to beckon me in with its wide opened door.

Visits to the Chapel occurred more times in my 4th Year than all my 4 years at the Grape. A lot of times it was just to sit and pray. Yes, He is everywhere, but in the crazy mess that is my mind I feel closer to Him in one of His houses.

2 years later, that day was still no exception. As I entered and sat down in the back row, I noticed I wasn't alone.

Way up front was a girl deep in prayer. I never once saw her face, but her gestures spoke volumes.

The Chapel is generally a very solemn and empty place, so it's pretty obvious when one sees a soul in there. But not once did she turn her head around to see who had come in.

I couldn't help but look a little. Why didn't she look up? Not that I was seeking attention but I would have if somebody came in. This girl was DEEP in prayer. The frequent shifting about in her seat, the occasional creaking of the pew she sat in, and her head always bowed down. After I finished my prayers, I sent some prayers her way and left.

Whether she cried or not, I don't know but it reminds me of a quote I've written about before:

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.

- Plato

Paul also wrote something similar:

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

- Galatians 6:2

Let's be mindful and remember to do so.