Ponder: Sprawled beneath a pine tree, my childhood mind located heaven at the brightest point behind puffy clouds in a Midwest sky. Now, living where winter feels like one long stretch of days, cement-colored above and below, rare glimpses of sunlight still feel like heaven.

Pray: "The soul can split the sky in two and let the face of God shine through." So said Edna St. Vincent Millay (and so sang The Roches years later). For the scene or soul that most recently split the grey sky above me so your face could shine through, I thank you, God.