Live in the Moment - Each is just too good to pass up

Franciscan Benediction

May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart

May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression and exploitation of people
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace

May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To turn their pain into joy

May God bless you with foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor

A New Day

I remember the first time that I heard Barack Obama speak. Like many others watching the 2004 Democratic Convention subsequently commented, I remember feeling a sense of hope, the hope that we could once again be inspired by a courageous leader.

As Bush's divisive 2nd term continued to divide an already divided country, and as America became better known for torturing than for protecting people from such indignities, I remember commenting that we needed to get our country back and thinking that Obama had the potential to be the person to lead us out of that dark place, to restore our greatness.

I remember standing in line at the XL Center in Hartford on Super Tuesday, squeezing into a spot along the railing to hear Obama speak, and daring to hope that it would happen, that he would survive the exhausting gauntlet that our politics has become and become our next President.

And here we are.

This morning, I went to a polling station with my sons, waited in line and talked to them about how unique our democracy truly is. My younger son, having been admonished by his mom and dad not to make a ruckus in the line, asked me, "Dad, if I whisper, can I cheer for Obama while we stand in line?" And he did.

"Obama, Obama, Obama," barely audible.

Affter about a half hour in line, we filled in the appropriate circles. Together, we slid my ballot into the scanner.

And as all the votes are finally counted, I allow myself to believe what I had only hoped for. I am thankful for the graciousness of Senator McCain in defeat. I am so hopeful about the opportunity that lies before us with Obama as our President, even as I am aware of the breadth of challenges that he faces, that we all face.

But, finally this day is here.

Yes. We. Can!

... and he sang

I was at Church with my kids this past weekend. My wife was stuck at work. My younger son was in the Church's basement with the Little Lambs program. I was at mass with my older son who is 7 and my daughter who is just over 1. She was a bit of a handful, but my son was doing his best to help keep her in check.

At one point in the mass, after the homily had ended, parishioners started to line up to receive the anointing of the sick. The musicians started up a traditional hymn called Healer of Our Every Ill. I took out the blue Gather Hymnal and turned to the song. My son looked up at me and said, "Dad, I want to sing with you."

The next 5 minutes were some of the most moving I've experienced. He sang with his beautiful voice which I have heard laugh and scream and cheer and yell, but never have I heard him sing with such purpose. I sang with him, but more quietly than I usually do, as I wanted to hear him. He sang along with me, reading the lyrics and hitting all the notes. I was in awe - in awe of him, in awe of the Spirit, in awe of my faith, in awe of my family.

I have always been so appreciative of my family and my faith, but it never hit home quite like when I went to Church that day, the piano started to play ... and he sang.

The Girl Effect

Angel Ride 2008 - This will be my 4th!

Many Voices - Same Chorus