At Ash Wednesday services we sit in reflective quiet. 

 Well, almost.

Our developmentally-challenged parishioners break the cadence of our liturgical rhythm with little screeches of joy, melodic squeals, a few beats after the hymn has ended.

 No matter. The priest pauses to hear their prayers, too. In this moment I learn that I must make room for everyone – the ill, the suffering, the different-from-me pilgrims. 

 And so begins our common journey through the season of Lent.