Bathtubs, Bedrooms, and Big Deals

Since the election of Pope Francis there has been an understandable and warranted appreciation of the new pope's humility. He is very genuine. Personally, I am still impressed that upon meeting the crowds he first asked for their blessing....and paused....he paused a long while...because he meant it!

This man who is in a position of great prominence and prestige chooses to dress simply (as simply as a pope can dress) and stay humble. I'm sure in his home country of Argentina folks are already placing historical markers in his home and on the bus he rode to work. Pope Francis probably would not approve.

It's a contrast between how we Americans do the fame game and especially where presidents are concerned. Let's be honest, be you R or D, it takes a significant ego to think of one's self as having the ability to be President. I think our culture lends to this by our "George Washington Slept Here" phenomena.

I'm referring to the various inns, hotels and homes that have a marker informing all visitors that the first president of the United States once bunked in that very place for a night or two. Of course, in Pennsylvania those claims are many. Goerge and his horse got around.

This weekend I was in Bedford County and was shown an old building where the native Bedfordian told me that "George Washington did indeed sleep there." However, the landmark of even greater presidential significance was found in Berkeley Springs, WVA which is home to the famous Berkely hot springs and commerce surrounding said hot springs and Roman-style baths. (I laid down some cash for the experience and I have to say it is well worth it.)

According to the town events calendar, this past weekend marked the celebration of "George Washington Bath" day. I'm serious.

Yes, as the photo attests, they have a small, rock-laid, rectangular bath filled by the area's hot springs and according to journal accounts from George himself, he did, indeed, come there to bathe in the soothing, wonder-working waters of Berkely Springs.

It begs the question, what is our fascination with the sleeping, bathing, eating, and transportation habits of the famous and powerful?

All I know is, after my experience in the Roman baths at Berkely Springs I had a strange hankering to hatchet down a cherry tree.

Light Lessons

A friend was needing to buy a birthday present for her friend's little boy. She asked for advice and I shared that one of the best gifts to buy a kid is a flashlight.

Through the ages a flashlight holds its own as a power gift and favorite of children.

I think kids are fascinated by the way the light breaks through the darkness.

Carrying a flashlight gives a kid both courage and power.

Let’s be honest a major part of the fun in sleeping out was the chance to bring your flashlight. Remember summer evenings playing flashlight tag?

As is so with most things, children teach us a lot and when given the opportunity we should listen more, observe more, and realize their wisdom.

Any kid with the light wants to be out front and taking the lead.

Any kid with the light loves to look out for those with her and shine her light to help others on the path.

Any kid with the light confidently and with great seriousness takes on the responsibility given to being a light bearer.

Flashlights may not carry the same cool factor they did when we were children. However, the need to bear and bring the light remains…..be like a child.

sj;

A helpful exercise

Before I begin this new entry let me share that over the weekend I was successful in my quest to see the bald eagles currently calling Pittsburgh home! WOW! Not only did I see the bald eagles, yet one did a fly over not once but twice and also sat for quite a long time in the tree branch looking very regal. Here’s to perseverance and a special thanks to the group of hikers who provided both direction and shared their binoculars!

That WOW Moment leads me to today's post.

Anne Lamott is one of my favorite authors. Yes, she is another one who could write down her grocery list and I’d find it surprisingly moving and worth reading. I have read her books and am a huge fan of her non-fiction works, especially those when she expounds on her faith journey. Often I use one of her books to supplement my morning devotion time.

Her latest effort is "HELP. THANKS. WOW: The Three Essential Prayers." The title alone is worth reading the book and I do agree with her assessment on prayer.
In the “Wow” section, Lamott is expounding on the notion of other planets and solar systems and how wondrous and awesome that is and she presents what will be the point of the little exercise. She writes, “Thank God we live on the planet where someone thought up Monopoly and Oreos.”
The exercise, to use her template “Thank God we live on the planet where someone thought up…” and come up with a few of your own.

For example, Thank God we live on the planet where someone thought up baseball and those mini Cadbury chocolate eggs

Or, Thank God we live on the planet where someone thought up books and flannel sheets.

You get the idea?

Give it a try.

It's a great exercise to stir you from the blahs and to awaken you to all the wonders and wows that surround.

Share a few thanks....

sj;