the lily’s quiet tear

It is that day, the day when the absence of sound is louder than we can imagine. This is time in-between. All hold still, in shock, in anger, in grief, and for some in fear. Nothing can be done. Our world has paused.

I always wake on Holy Saturday and feel the strength of this quiet pause. We know the ‘rest’ of the story and it is easy to move ahead in preparation for tomorrow’s sunrise- feeling awash with new life. But we cannot move any faster than time allows.

I entered the living room this morning and stopped in front of my lilies. I noticed they seemed to be gently opening for Easter’s Alleluia. Looking closer I saw that two of the flowers had what appeared to be small tear drops at the tip of their buds. Certainly I had seen this before but this morning it took my attention. For a moment I could hear all of creation call out, reminding me to slow down and be present to this still, quiet day. 

A day like no other — a time when all stands stands still.