Summer Vacation, Day 80: Like Breathing

Extended Blogger’s Note: Our dear “elder daughter” and Trevor’s godmother Betsy, referenced here, is coming to visit for a week beginning tomorrow. Can’t wait to see her! I used to try to explain to her and her friends in our church youth group back in Michigan that they need not be self conscious when they prayer – you can’t really do it wrong, as long as use your heart and mean it sincerely. Too many people stress about praying “right” and let it keep them from praying. Anyway, a poem, of sorts …

like breathing
it doesn’t take real effort, like
deep thought or the flight
of birds. prayer is like
breathing — you can’t do it
wrong. think respiration:
the diaphragm draws
downward; air rushes
to fill the void, lungs
inflate, blood and alveoli
trade in gases. molecules
swirl and dance
bond and break
according to laws
of biology
chemistry
physics
STOP!

close your eyes.
breathe in
and out again.
it’s inspiration and
exhalation — it’s
simple.

j. thorp
20 July 2003

Summer Vacation, Day 74: A Good Day

This, my friends, is a good day. I don’t often wax religious on these pages, but we spent this Sunday morning where we ought to: in church. We were seated with our friends and their families, and the music was tremendous (an unlikely-looking older fellow in a resort shirt with two buttons open, singing nearly like an operatic tenor, flanked by several sweet-voiced church ladies).

After mass, our new god-daughter, Addelyn, was baptized, along with six other children. She slept peacefully through the first half of the ceremony, until the deacon anointed her chest, then looked in wide wonder as she was baptized with water, marked with chrism, dressed in her white baptismal garment, and entranced by her baptismal flame. We’ve been godparents before, but this one hit home – she feels like one of our own. We love her, and we’ve told her so.

I sat, carefully holding her candle, gazing at this little girl. Then I turned to Jodi and said, “Happy Anniversary.”

That’s right: 12 years now. Jodi and I were once talking to a former coworker of mine at a bar, and he told her that I seemed like the happiest married man he’d ever met. He joked with me that I might be the only one. I didn’t know whether to feel happy or sad about that.

Today I know: I’m happy. Thank God for Jodi – and little Addy, too!

Summer Vacation, Day 29: An Unexpected Blessing

Unbeknownst to me, downtown Rapid City is hosting a deeply moving and inspiring exhibit, A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People. The exhibit includes photos, videos and artifacts from Karol Wojtyla’s childhood through his papacy and death, tracing his strong ties to, and profound affection for, the Jewish people in his native Poland and throughout the world.

Jodi and I took Brendan and Gabe to see it today. It cost $5 for the family, and the tickets are good for duration of the display (through August 13). It’s very content-rich – you probably should visit it more than once to take it all in, especially the videos. Some of the video interview material from the Holocaust is a bit much for children, but it’s easily avoided. Reading aloud to the boys, my voice broke often – it’s hard to imagine such cruelty and compassion among neighbors and neighboring countries.

But the lasting message is one of peace, understanding, and common humanity that transcends race or religion. Well worth $5, my friends. The exhibit has been there since May 2, and attendance has been low. If you have the chance, go.

Summer Vacation, Day 20: Heavenly Humor

Another inspiration courtesy of Hubba:

Heaven, it turns out, has a heckuva golf course, and you never know who you’ll see playing together up there. So one heavenly morning, a threesome shows up, and the first golfer tees off – and hits it straight toward a pond between the tee and the hole. As the ball approaches, however, the waters of the pond part, and the ball rolls across on dry ground and drops – plunk! – in the hole.

“Nice shot, Moses,” his partners agree.

The second golfer tees off, but again, hits the ball straight for the pond. This time, however, the ball rolls lightly across the surface of the pond and drops – plunk! – in the hole.

“Good one, Jesus,” says Moses.

The third golfer steps to the tee, and just like the others, drives the ball straight at the pond. Sploosh! – the ball sinks like a stone. Moses is speechless. Jesus quietly shakes his head.

There is a ripple in the water as a fish turns suddenly and scoops the ball up in its mouth. It turns toward the deeper water, only to be snatched from the water by an eagle flying by. As the great bird passes overhead, the fish gasps and the ball drops on the green at the edge of the hole. At the sight of the great bird’s shadow, a gopher scampers toward its hole, spooking a butterfly, whose gentle wing-beats send the slightest whisper of wind across the manicured grass, and the ball drops – plunk! – in the hole.

Jesus says, “Nice shot, Dad.”

Summer Vacation, Day 11: Engaged

Jodi and I helped to lead a retreat for engaged couples today. If ever you seek to recall what sparked love between you and your mate and what keeps it alive today, surround yourself with young couples who sincerely want to hear your stories, share, and listen.

Oh, and I finished The Great Gatsby today. Beautiful and tragic. More on that tomorrow, Coach.