good place

i have to say, i love being catholic.
during my moments of reflection these past few days, i got to thinking how terrible it must be for some people in other parts of the world who grow up not hoping and believing and clinging with faith to an unseen power that watches over everyone and everything. i'm thankful i have that, and i've "grown into" it.
some people blame the church for catholic guilt, trappings, signs and symbols. but, i don't know, somehow, i'm at that place in my life, where i actually like the long easter vigil, and understand its significance in my life. special church services, give me a certain clarity: that i am part of a big world, but still i'm special to someone. and that someone is really all that matters.
and i'm thankful to God that i'm in such a good place right now where, when i close my eyes and am still, i can feel Him enveloping me in a comfortable embrace. and everything else seems to fade away. and after that, things come into clearer focus.