Today is November 1, 2010. On this day, the San Francisco Giants won the world series for the first time in 56 years. I know this because I received a phone call from my godfather after class tonight informing me of this most blessed of events. It's been his team since, well, forever. I think he called me thinking that I knew Tim Lincecum as a friend- I don't really - I just happened to work in the training room at UW while he played there and would pop in every once in a while. To be honest, I probably couldn't pick him out on a busy street. But it was from this phone call that I was also reminded that today (All Saints Day) is special for another reason: 25 years ago this same godfather witnessed (and participated in) my baptism. (See above picture: from Left to Right, Mike (aforementioned godfather), Mom, me, Carol (godmother), Dad)
Some might not consider infant baptism to be a true marker of one's Christian faith. Whether it is or it isn't, I don't believe that God only works within the bounds of Christian confession. And one thing I know for sure is that God has been patient. Loving and patient, beckoning me closer, into deeper intimacy with 'Him'. Sometimes I catch glimpses of how truly remarkable His love is and am completely overwhelmed with awe and thankfulness. Writing seems to be the only way to keep up with the emotions that spill over and onto paper. Perhaps this prayer will resonate within you also.
Give me fresh eyes, God
and soften my heart
For I am so often blind
to what I do.
Teach me to rejoice in you
with everything I do.
Let all of my actions be
testimony to your loving kindness.
You, oh God, are good.
Help me to see
the needs of others.
Help me to love
as you have loved me.
Mold me into the shape of an arrow,
pointing directly to you.
Pointing to your love, mercy, justice, and peace.
God, you are so good.
Teach me to do your will
and to trust you with every step.
Be clear, Lord.
I ask that you speak clearly.
Open my eyes to everything.
Transform me from every
fiber of my being.
Every cell, every molecule;
May it sing your praises.
and soften my heart
For I am so often blind
to what I do.
Teach me to rejoice in you
with everything I do.
Let all of my actions be
testimony to your loving kindness.
You, oh God, are good.
Help me to see
the needs of others.
Help me to love
as you have loved me.
Mold me into the shape of an arrow,
pointing directly to you.
Pointing to your love, mercy, justice, and peace.
God, you are so good.
Teach me to do your will
and to trust you with every step.
Be clear, Lord.
I ask that you speak clearly.
Open my eyes to everything.
Transform me from every
fiber of my being.
Every cell, every molecule;
May it sing your praises.
