left... centered.... left of center...

the prompt..."left of center"
sounds simple enough
a little asymmetry

but as I reviewed today's photos choosing this one
I realize there really isn't anything to focus on 'on the left'
the focus is my son 'on the right'...
It's his last Sunday mass...before leaving the states
he's singing a Psalm he composed to be sung next week
for his little sister's wedding

my heart swells
as my eyes swell
and I reach under the pew to pull my camera from my bag
I must remember this
after he has 'left'

I thought I was focusing on Dom

but then when I uploaded tonight
I notice the background for the first time...
the stained glass image
[I'm not sure what the story is?!?!?]
but the blessed mother
is definitely in the center of the composition
with open arms, giving...
not clinging
not holding on
open and giving

and you can only have that openness
if you are centered

and not just balanced and composed in yourself

but centered and found in Christ

I long to live a holy life
a life deeply lived in Christ
holy like Mary's son
holy like Mary learned to be holy through Jesus Christ

I long to be a holy mother
a holy mother in law
a holy woman
a holy child of God

this one little photograph
that I thought was just capturing a memory
had someone beyond me composing it
just like the rest of my life
and it has opened my eyes and my heart
and perhaps even my arms

to give
to release
to be open to whatever the Lord may bring