Lessons learned from Nancy Drew

At work, right next to my desk, I have a copy of "The Mystery of the Ivory Charm" - a Nancy Drew mystery. It's a 1936 edition, a gift from a friend who loves to give books like this.

It means a lot to me, not simply because it was a gift. I was one of those girls who grew up on Nancy Drew; they are fun stories, adventurous, with a gal full of moxie right in the thick of things. And I learned a lot from that little blond detective:

1. Dress well. You never know what the day will bring and dressing like a lady means you'll always fit in, whether you're suddenly invited to a spontaneous dinner by a potential beau or sleuthing through an old house full of clues. If you're wearing ratty sweat pants and an old concert t-shirt, you've seriously hampered your choices for the day.

2. Reliable transportation is a must for every girl. Now, I don't have a sporty little roadster to get around in, but I try to make sure my car is running well. No sense getting stuck in the middle of nowhere on a dark and stormy night.

3. The best way to get through life is with a few good chums. A cute boy - well-mannered and attentive - helps too. However, one's life doesn't need to revolve around him; a girl has things to do, after all!

4. It's occasionally necessary to make a scene if you're trying to prevent something bad from happening or attempting to get justice for someone. Normally, I wouldn't suggest a lady run around yelling her head off, but sometimes, you have to!

5. It's okay to be the smart girl. In fact, it's downright fun to be the smart girl.

I keep this book by my desk because, some days, it can be a little tough juggling all the things I have to do. Nancy and her mysterious ways remind me that I've got the charm, the moxie, the wardrobe and the brains to do what I need to do.

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Trying to "end run" God

If you're a football fan, you know what an end run is. From Merriam-Webster:
a football play in which the ballcarrier attempts to run wide around the end of the line We try to "end run" God a lot. I do. I figure I know better. I've got this - no need to worry the Big Guy about such a trivial thing.

Of course, it never works.

Like the puppy above, when we try and evade the tough obstacle (even though we KNOW we will eventually have to do it), we end up - well, off in the bushes.

But oh! How I wished my way worked. I'd love to take a flying leap and land smoothly and gracefully. People would be in awe, as if watching Simone Biles nail a balance beam routine that no one else would even attempt. I would shyly look down and blush - just lightly - and acknowledge (But humbly! Oh so humbly!) my achievement.

But no: I am the one pulling myself out of the bushes, scratches all over my legs and twigs in my hair. I'd hear that gentle but loving voice of God saying, &quo…

Crossing Guard

I saw you
today
as you guided
your little man across that busy street.

You were wearing some
big man boots
and
watching cars and lights.

Your little man had on
black sneakers and
a Mickey Mouse hat
that bounced
as he walked.

He wasn't watching nothing but
your big man boots
and
the white stripes of the crosswalk.

Just before
he got to the sidewalk again,
his step bounced a bit
- he hopped over
a spot where the asphalt broke.

You turned to look,
holding out a hand to
your little man.
Not rushed or angry,
just making sure
he got up
on that sidewalk.

Then you walked on,
in your big man boots,
face into a cold Michigan wind,
with the little man behind,
his hat bouncing.

Be Transfigured

From today's readings:

Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the and his clothes became white as light.

...we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable. You will do well to be attentive to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

Today we celebrate the Transfiguration. For whatever reason, Jesus brought three of His disciples to Mount Tabor to witness this miracle. They weren't sure what they were seeing, but they knew enough to throw themselves to the ground in the presence of Almighty God. St. Peter (who never did anything halfway) excitedly declares that he will erect tents on the mountain as a way of memorializing the event. But Jesus tells him and the others that they are not to tell people what they witnessed - at least not yet.

In the second reading, the requirement to be quiet has bee…

Kissing the Leper

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