Can I Buy an Elephant? (05/03/2026)

It happened again just this morning. I was getting going, even picking up steam, and I got a text reminding me that there was incense at mass today which I cannot tolerate. I’m allergic to incense. I’d been told there would be incense on the 1^st Sunday of every month. But I forgot. Elephants never forget, they tell me. Where can I buy an elephant?

It happens more frequently than I want to admit. I am toodling along and something goes amiss only to realize it shouldn’t have been a surprise, but I forgot to incorporate it into my plans. A friend told me that my problem wasn’t memory but rather intentionality. I don’t know. I think I’m a pretty intentional person who gets surprised on a regular basis.

Another friend told me, “it takes a village.” I think she had me confused with a child because of my height, but I appreciated her trying to create a diversion for the group to take attention away from my memory. Now that I think about it, “a village” might be easier to find than an elephant.

As I think about the situation, several thoughts come to mind, hopefully supplied by the Spirit. Perhaps I do need to slow down and be more intentional. With age, I have learned that I can’t juggle as many balls in the air as I used to be able to juggle. Maybe instead of adding an element, I should consider subtracting a thing or two, simplifying my life. Or perhaps, as I’ve aged I have gotten a bit too prideful and this is the LORD’s way of thumping me to remind me of His preference for humility. Or, maybe it just is what it is and I’m being challenged to adjust prayerfully. This morning as I took it to prayer, I was sincere in my prayer for guidance and grace. The LORD does say that grace is sufficient.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.