Each of us wears a cloak -- a cloak of love. For some, that cloak may seem worn, thin, and tattered. Others appear to have a thick, warm, and luxurious wrapping. It depends on how we have woven our cloak and how we take care of it. But if we step back and take a wider view, we can see that it also depends on how we've taken care of each other. We weave not only our own cloak but also those of everyone with whom we interact - family, friends, community, our earthly environment, our world. We are all woven together. 

Individually, our wraps protect us from the cold by enveloping our body heat so we stay warm. If there is a hole in the wrap, heat escapes, and eventually our whole body is shivering. I have a picture of a smiling 
Native American family - father, mother, and baby-enfolded in a wonderful blanket. 

They look out on the world with confidence, happiness, and peace because they are safe together. We must make sure that our family blanket is woven to last and that we have every one of our family members tucked safely beneath its folds. If even one person is left out, there is a gap where the cold wind can enter and affect the rest of those under the blanket.