Prayer of St. Francis

Because Thomas's new favorite thing to do is peel, cook, mash, and eat a potato and he prefers to wear shorts over his comfy pants. And because he loves when Pooh Bear attempts to fool the bees by pretending he is a little rain cloud and because his favorite color is blue. 

 

Because Russell likes to tell people he lives in India and his favorite color is red. And because if he could meet anyone he chose Jesus and I didn't even prompt him. Because I heard him singing "Simple Gifts," and he loves the Count from Sesame Street.

Because Lucia wants to be Spiderman for Halloween and her baby lamb's name is Bill. Because at dinner Friday night she told her dad and me that when she grows up she is going "to be bigger" and "a mommy," and corrected her brother Russell by saying that H.A. Rey, not Arnold Lobel, wrote Curious George. 

Because Elliot's favorite foods are burnt toast, then cinnamon toast, and then just plain toast, and his baby's name is Suitcase. And because his favorite color is purple and he swore last night that the two stars glittering brightly above our home were two angels in the sky.

Because after hearing some thunder the night before Russell inquired if it was the 4th of July and is convinced monsters live in our closets. Because his favorite book is Arnold Lobel's Mouse Soup and his favorite food pepperoni, two of which he stole out of the refrigerator before breakfast this morning and then confessed to during church.

Because she has a favorite poem and it is "A Little Bird," by Christina T. Owen and if she could meet anyone she chose my godfather Pete (who departed this life last year and she never met). And because she adamantly swears her favorite foods are split pea soup and lentils even though this is completely false.

Because Elliot's favorite movie is Mulan and last week after apologizing for some mischief he then issued to me the Star Wars blessing, "May the force be with you." And because he wants to be Mr. Snuffleupagus for Halloween and his favorite book is No, David! (shocker).

Because Thomas frequently reminds us that he is a carnivore and loves, loves meat, especially chicken and he memorized Mary Oliver's poem, "Mushrooms," and chides me because I cannot remember the words. And because last week he and his dad built a dam in the creek I played in as a child and because he loves the girl next door.

Because even in the midst of death there is new life and my aunt's great granddaughter, Kinsley Margaret entered into this world even as Aunt Margaret was returning home to die. And because I had the honor of being welcomed into my uncle and aunt's home and was able to sit by her side and hold her hand, which is so like my mother's, to bring a glass of cool water to her mouth, and to kiss her head and tell this precious woman that I love her.

Because of all of this, I lift up my hands in thanksgiving and offer up this prayer.