The magnolia in full bloom in my neighbour’s yard would be perfect for my Twitter Easter header photo. Although I am a ordained pastor–or perhaps because I am–I was glad to cast off the sackcloth and ashes of Lent, a season emphasizing penitence and spiritual disciplines, and could hardly wait to Skitch “Happy Easter” across the glorious blooms, and splash my joy to the world.

And then this–

—Merton speaks:

Every moment and every event of every life on earth plants something in [your] soul.

The magnolias still remain as testament–but without my gay pronouncement.