It's Not My Tattoo

Dear John,

 

It's 53 outside, and I'm in my nightgown sitting next to an open window. It feels and smells wonderful. And the cat has discovered that he can sit between the glass and the screen, and the dog can't get to him. This should make for an interesting summer.

 

Today is the Sunday of the Last Judgment, and I thought this verse was appropriate. Today is a mixture of realizing there will be a Final Judgment and remembering that God is merciful. I'm ready for Lent this year, for focusing myself after two years of continual crises that demanded my attention. I'll re-read The Ladder of Divine Ascent  and The Soul After Death. The reading will be different this time since you've completed your journey now and are already in Heaven. I don't know yet what it will be like and how it will be different, but I know it will. The rest remains to be seen.

 

Next Sunday is Forgiveness Sunday. We'll have Forgiveness Vespers at 6, and Lent will start. Please pray for me, that I will keep and good and faithful Great Fast and that my soul will benefit from it. And tell all the friends and family at the parapet how much I love them.

 

Love you most of all,

Joan.

P.S. - Relax. It's not my tattoo. I pinned it from Pinterest.

 

P.P.S. - The Kontakion for today, in case you don't remember:

When Thou comest upon the earth, O Lord, with glory, all creatures will tremble.
And the river of fire will flow before the altar, the books will be opened, and all secrets will be revealed.
Then deliver me from the unquenchable fire, and make me worthy to stand at Thy right hand, O righteous Judge.