The chapel services at the California Men's Colony are announced at 8:45am. I was sitting outside today when it was announced-- talking to a friend, a new co-worker I recently loaned a book to. He is new to prison and had not been inside a prison chapel yet. I invited him to tag along and he did.
The chapel here is something to be commented on. It can boast of having actual pews and a real altar. Most prison chapels have to make do with folding chairs and tables. When we walked in I noticed a few new Christmas decorations. The chapel was decorated with a humble Christmas tree, wreaths, and a small Nativity scene. Seeing them stirred up warm memories and thoughts of what this season means.
Before Mass I prayed for a long list of people who came to mind. I tried not to be selfish, but a few of my own needs came to mind. Then I sat back in the pew and quietly collected my thoughts.
I imagined going to church services in the future with my family. I envision myself taking an active role in my local church after my release. Envisioning myself taking an active role has become easy since I enrolled in TUMI. Now I not only feel comfortable with the idea of taking an active role, I feel it is required of me. I must live out my faith.
When I signed up for TUMI late last year, I knew it would have an impact on my walk, but it has far surpassed my expectations. Sharing what I learn from them has become second nature-- see, I'm doing it again. :-)
The chapel here is something to be commented on. It can boast of having actual pews and a real altar. Most prison chapels have to make do with folding chairs and tables. When we walked in I noticed a few new Christmas decorations. The chapel was decorated with a humble Christmas tree, wreaths, and a small Nativity scene. Seeing them stirred up warm memories and thoughts of what this season means.
Before Mass I prayed for a long list of people who came to mind. I tried not to be selfish, but a few of my own needs came to mind. Then I sat back in the pew and quietly collected my thoughts.
I imagined going to church services in the future with my family. I envision myself taking an active role in my local church after my release. Envisioning myself taking an active role has become easy since I enrolled in TUMI. Now I not only feel comfortable with the idea of taking an active role, I feel it is required of me. I must live out my faith.
When I signed up for TUMI late last year, I knew it would have an impact on my walk, but it has far surpassed my expectations. Sharing what I learn from them has become second nature-- see, I'm doing it again. :-)
RSS Feed
