My Favorite Things?

I learned My Favorite Things while attending elementary school. I loved its imagery of raindrops on roses as it reminded me of my mother’s and grandmother’s flowers. And getting snowflakes to land and stay on my nose and eyelashes became a just out-of-reach goal as they always seemed to melt on contact. Yet, the most exciting part of the song occurred when it turned very briefly dangerous and melancholy with the dog bite and the bee sting. 

Turns out that last Friday I was putting final touches on a legal brief that needed to be filed when I received an animated, yet succinct, message from my dear wife informing me that she had just been bitten by a dog while walking by the tennis courts near our neighborhood. After a couple of exchanges, I knew she had been attacked hard enough that she required medical attention, but not so bad that she couldn’t transport herself there. 

While relieved, the gnawing concern for rabies and potential scarring nagged at me and felt deep concern for Cathy’s health and well being. Though I was concerned, Cathy handled the situation seemingly unphased. She got contact information for the owner, she followed up with medical personnel, she informed appropriate authorities and she diligently confirmed the vaccination status of the dog. 

Saturday morning at eight we had the assignment to help clean our church building that is about a mile away. I assumed that she would take a break, but around seven she asked if we could make it in time if we left by 7:30. I thought it only takes a few minutes by car, and then I realized she was suggesting we walk. Cathy had just been bitten while out on a walk and she was ready to go out on a walk again. Obviously Cathy was less phased than I. 

This weekend my faith community fasted. I fasted and prayed for peace in our community, nation, and world. I reflected on John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” 

As Cathy shared her thoughts from fasting with our congregation she reminded us of another song that I learned as a child. 

I want to be kind to everyone, 

For that is right, you see. 

So I say to myself, “Remember this:

Kindness begins with me. 

I cannot create world peace, but I can feel at peace. I know I have felt comforted, even in trials, and my burdens have been made light. This is my witness as evidence of Christ’s promise that His yoke is easy, and His burden light. And any burden I have is lessened when I am kind. 

It won’t solve everything, but when “I simply remember my favorite things” “then I don’t feel so bad.” 

If ever there was a time for me to remember my favorite things, it is now.