Empty-handed, slightly late, disheveled, I kneel with nothing — No beads to give a path to restless fingers, no pages I can turn to give a feel of progress. No — because I am tardy and disheveled — self-image even that I care to fondle.
My mind is not empty, but crammed full, like a dresser drawer full of old programs and garments needing patches. But as I kneel, slowly, reluctantly, the drawer comes unstuck and moves out.
I let you finger through the useless clutter. If there is anything there you want, Love, you may have it.
Sister Ellen Cunningham has been a Sister of Providence since 1959. She has ministered as a high school teacher in English, French, chemistry and religion. For 38 years she ministered at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) teaching mathematics, which included 12 years as a department chair. Since her retirement in 2012, Sister Ellen has volunteered at SMWC in the alumni relations office.