A little green

A good number of us are wearing green today, because it is St. Patrick's Day. St. Patrick was an Irish missionary who spent several years enslaved, and upon his release, he began to preach the gospel and spread Christianity throughout the region. So how does Christian mission turn into wearing green, drinking, cabbage, and leprechauns?

There is a bit of lore around this. Apparently, the holiday fell in the middle of Lent season, so for one day — just to give folks a break — drinking alcohol and choice meats were permitted for a short time. Another legend holds that St. Patrick himself enjoyed a bit of spirits, and according to that same lore, he rebuked an innkeeper for not filling his mug of whiskey properly.

The leprechauns seem to have been added by Americans as a symbol for all things Irish. Patrick had no connection to them.

Each year I enjoy searching Amazon for a green shirt to wear. It's a good ritual — something to look forward to. A glimmer in the midst of trouble can always be found.

Look for glimmers.

What's a small, recurring ritual in your life that gives you a glimmer of joy — even when the season around it is hard?