St.John's Napping

There is a brief morning window, between about 9am and 11am to do an activity.  And around 11am we were in St. John's the Divine and so it was nap time.  Mom sat down to calm her and then she was asleep and so we stayed in the huge church, resting and taking in the enormity of the space.  I read more thoroughly the displays on food ethics (wasting less, urban farming, feeding the hungry, etc.) that were displayed, and I read the brochure and did a short self-guided tour.  In theory and in display this cathedral's mission was to welcome all.  From the many immigrants that have come to New York over the years of its existence, to the homeless, to those with AIDS, this seems to be a place that aims to welcome all.

And no one bothered a nursing mother, or we loitering lot, who paid a minimal donation to be there.  There were political displays throughout the nave, new artwork wedged within the pillars, a mix of old austerity with modern relevancy.  I was happy for the nap time which quietly demanded a longer frame of reflection and an appreciation of the space and the goals of the institution.

And we were able to watch the many workers place many flowers in anticipation of Easter around the alter.  Tomorrow Jesus will be reborn.  The only difference now from when it first happened is that we know it is coming.  How strange to calmly place these plants of expectation in this space of welcome.  A commonplace miracle is coming.

After the nap we got lunch, and went down to the Staten Island ferry.  We went across the water in the throngs of Saturday tourists with selfie poles, came back on the waves and under the sleepy afternoon sun, and headed home.  It was time to wind down the day, but walking takes more practice than we realize and for those less experienced it can mean a fall at any second and a big goose egg on the head.  I called my brother, who has just finished his rotation in pediatrics, and more importantly, who I trust, and we all determined that it would probably be fine.

Tomorrow will be another day.