Sunday, April 17, 2011

Stream of consciousness

I had the best conversation with a kid on the subway last Friday. He was about 4 or 5, and I met him with his dad while waiting for my train to go home. I love how kids' thoughts just gush out, no censoring or retooling.

Kid: Hi! (he said 'Hi' to several people before I finally responded.)
Me: Hi buddy!
Kid: What's your name?
Me: My name is Adriane. What's yours?
Kid: My name is Oli. Are you coming on my train?
Me: Sure, I'll come on your train.

The train arrived. We both got on.

Kid: Are you coming to my stop?
Me: Which stop is that?
Kid: St... George.
Me: No, I'm not coming to your stop. My stop is St. Clair. It's 3 after yours.
Kid: Oh. Are you coming to my home?
Me: No, not today.
Kid: Oh. How about tomorrow?
Me: Maybe tomorrow.
Kid: We can have a picnic!
Me: Oh yeah? What will we have at the picnic? Will there be sandwiches?
Kid: Yeah, sandwiches!
Me: What else?
Kid: Peanuts.
Me: Anything else?
Kid: Peanut sauce.
Me: How about orange juice?
Kid: Yeah, orange juice!
Me: OK, maybe tomorrow then.
Kid: Yeah, we'll have a picnic!

They arrived at their stop. I wonder if his dad gave him a stern lecture later about not inviting strangers to their home for picnics.

Monday, April 11, 2011

An Easter thought

Easter is quickly approaching, so I thought I'd share something that really touched me from this past Sunday's homily at my church.

I have very blessed lately, but I've witnessed a lot of sadness and heartache with recent world events and also events in my friends' lives.

This week's message was that Jesus' resurrection could not have been so glorious if he had not had to endure the pain and suffering of dying on the cross. That final awesome chapter wouldn't have been so awesome without the turmoil of the middle chapters.

We're singing this hymn at an ordination mass on April 29. An ordination is a happy occasion, but I like the sentiment of remembering that there will be trials ahead, and to turn to God during these times.


Be Still My Soul - words by Katharina von Schlegel, music by Jean Sibelius


Be still my soul - the Lord is on thy side;
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
leave to thy God to order and provide;
in every change - he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul - thy best thy heavenly Friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.