Even on these days...

Mother... 

Khaire Hekate! Mistress of the Three Realms, Keeper of the Keys, Soul of the World!

You are most honored among the Immortal Ones, and I am blessed in Your presence!

Glorious Hekate - Ourania, Khthonia, Einalia - gladden my heart as I devote myself to You. Guide and protect me always on my journey. From the Stars to the Grave, and All that is Between.

Mother, days with so much physical pain are emotionally difficult for me. I feel like I would be pushing myself too hard to go to the temple, and I wouldn't be able to do my regular duties. Part of me says, "So, don't do it. You will not be punished for taking proper care of yourself." Another part of me feels bad about it, but not really because of fear of punishment. (Admittedly, I'm still in a very early, unstable part of building a relationship with the Great Crocodile, but I don't think truly needing to take care of myself would be held against me.) I just love the time in the temple!

I love having a space that I wished years ago I would have someday! All those times I turned shelves and desks into altars and shrines, and now there's a room dedicated to this! I'm thankful for being able to go in there and commune with Immortal Ones, Ancestors, and Spirits. I'm safe and loved in there, and I can also give my love and devotion.

But then I think of how I grew up around people of whom it was said they were a different person until it was time to go to church. I try not to be like that. I carry my devotion and obligations everywhere. So maybe I sometimes need to remind myself that the ties aren't broken if I couldn't make it to the temple. Even on days like this, my devotion and gratitude are still very real.