In the immortal words of Michael Scott, “It’s happpenninggg.” Pope watch. Years ago, Matt and I were on our way to Lapland Finland for his last Champions League Iceman contest. We stopped in Helsinki for the night and quickly realized that most of the television stations were fixated on Pope watch. Eventually, Pope Francis was elected as Pope.

I have to admit, we took Pope watch pretty lightly. I’m not Catholic; the Catholic church had been embroiled in scandal regarding sexual abuse of children for a little over 10 years so excuse me if I don’t really take things seriously as to who will be leading this den of pedophiles (or so I believed then); and an unlimited supply of Mintuu meant that the entire process was festive, but nothing else.

Part of the festivities was the smoke. I didn’t know this was a thing. Lutherans don’t have a supreme leader except for Satan in many of their churches. Yes, Satan leads many of today’s churches including the Lutheran ones, not the point of today. For days, we watched black smoke come out of the infamous chimney. And today will most likely be the first release of, assumingly, black smoke.

Black smoke is somewhat festive, but those watching know there is more coming. The Cardinals are still voting. They’re not done. They’re still figuring it out. Sit tight. It may look as if nothing is happening, but you can’t see the work behind the locked doors of the Sistine chapel. Stand by.

Also this week is my and the Bigg guy’s 11th wedding anniversary. Now, if you look on the google which gift represents the 11th wedding anniversary, you would find a picture of a water heater. Yes, last week, my beloved bought me a water heater. Was it for our anniversary? Probably not but the timing was pretty spot on. He also spent hours cleaning up water in the basement which was another anniversary present, actually a little bit bigger than the water heater itself. Hard to say. But suffice it to say, the HotHunkyHubs took one for the team last week. If I were in Rome, you’d see white smoke coming from the chimney. Mission accomplished. At least one of them.

Mostly; however; we live with black smoke coming from the house. We’re still working on it. Haven’t figured it out. Compromising for an occasional white smoke day. The general public doesn’t see the work that’s happening behind one of our five doors (our house has a lot of doors going to the outside. A spectacular amount actually) but there is always work going on. Sometimes the work is festive, usually it’s mundane.

I’ve come to appreciate Pope watch. I still don’t think I can comprehend the deep meaning as a devout Catholic can, but I can understand the spiritual process. Many want a Pope that will continue Francis’ progressive momentum. Many want a more conservative Pope. What does God want? I don’t know, He hasn’t told me. Probably cuz I’m not Catholic. I hope He wants a Pope that is spiritually led, not led by world topics. We already have enough of that. It distracts us from seeking what God wants from each of us and makes us focus on political agendas of non-believers.

This is the same process Matt and I go through each day together. Who are we serving today? God? Ourselves? The world? More black smoke. The process will likely never be complete. We have to take votes all day, every day. There have been moments of white smoke throughout our 14+ years together. Mere moments. The rest of the time? Black smoke. We’re still working on it. Stand by.

What I DO know, much like (I’m guessing) the billion plus Catholics around the world, is that I’m on the right path. I’ve chosen wisely to put my belief in a marriage to a good man. Because of that, there is always a chance for a white smoke event. Together, we place God above our own worldly desires (some days. We fail a lot in that) and lean into His direction. When we do that, we succeed. Much like the church. All Christian churches in my opinion but especially the Catholic church which is on display right now.

The point of today is not to see the black smoke as a failure. You’re working on it. Keep going. Lean into God’s direction. If it’s not working, really contemplate why and don’t be afraid to change your vote. And on those days that the white smoke billows from the theoretical chimney? Celebrate. Cheer as if you’re watching from the Vatican bricks that white smoke fly. You did it. Soon enough it will be time to get back to work but, in that moment, celebrate a victory.

There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage. Martin Luther