Raindrops
The sun was peaking behind the thin curtains, bidding Maria to rise. It was barely dawn. But she was happy. She was used to rising early.
Leaping out of bed, she threw back the drapes, greeted by sunlight. The rain of the night before was gone, leaving a fresh scent in the air. It was going to be a beautiful day. The first day of her new life. God greeted her with a bright affirmation that she was headed down the right path: the sun shown brightly over the mountains, saying good morning to her in the most beautiful of ways.
Outside her door, Maria could hear the footsteps of her fellow postulants. Grinning, she rushed to rinse her face and don her attire. She frowned for a moment; black seemed such an inappropriate color to wear when she was so filled with joy. No matter, the sun reflected her happiness.
She swung her door open and grinned broadly at the sisters, and received quiet smiles in return. She joined them in walking to the small chapel to begin the day in Lauds.
The group marched noiselessly forward, and she struggled to conform. A song was forming in her heart, and she wanted nothing more than to let it burst free. How they could remain silent whilst on their way to greet the Lord amazed her. But it was how they lived, and how she was to live as well. She prayed she could manage.
Maria looked out to the garden. Along the wall were dozens of roses – shimmering with the rain of the night before. The sun's rays fell upon them, causing the petals to sparkle like jewels.
She grinned as the song in her heart increased. Yes, she was indeed following the path God wanted for her.