slow but stubborn

I was the lay leader for my church's services this past Sunday. During the 9 a.m. service, when I walked up to the chalice, the light from the starter candle had gone out, so I fetched the box of matches. Someone(s) had put used matches back into the box (which is understandable, since there's no good way to dispose of them mid-service) -- which I failed to realize until the choir director gently pointed out why nothing was happening when I kept striking the dead match against the sides of the box.

As I reached into the box for a fresh match, I said to the congregation, "Sorry, y'all. Some mornings are harder going than others."

A few people chuckled, and I heard a voice some pews back utter, "A-men."

Earlier tonight, I put the first night's candles in my menorah and struck a match. The wick of the servant candle being rather frayed, it took three tries before the flame held. The candles are shining in my living room window even as I type.

And that, I think, is as apt a summary of my year as any.