An Ode to the Late Lieutenant Columbo & The Actor, the Late Peter Falk

An Ode to the Late Lieutenant Columbo &

The Actor, the Late Peter Falk

Last year, the famed and venerable actor, Peter Falk died after an extended period of illness.  He is best known for his television portrayal of Lieutenant “Frank” Columbo although Falk’s career included an extensive body of work including stage theatre, multiple movies and directing.  A victim of his incredible success in this role, Falk and Lt. Lieutenant Columbo became virtually inseparable.  Despite the complexity and diversity of other roles, Falk was type-casted as the curmudgeon detective with a tattered trench coat, worn suit, cracked shoes and green, cheap cigar.  In a recent children’s movie, he played a grandfather who read stories at bedtime.  Glancing at the screen, I remarked silently “Lt. Columbo is reading bedtime stories.”  My comment did not denigrate the versatile talents of an accomplished master of the craft of acting.  Instead, my silent utterance is a fan’s statement of praise for Falk’s inimitable depiction of a brilliant, confident, wise, discerning, pragmatic, principled and humble but beguiling fictional detective who appeared real. 

I am proud and loyal member of the Lt. Columbo fan club.  As a child who came of age in the seventies, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the NBC Mystery Movie which aired each Sunday night following a sporting event, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and a family show.  In addition to Dennis Weaver’s depiction of McCloud, a cowboy detective who moves to New York City, Rock Hudson and Susan St. James’ portrayal of McMillan and Wife and Heck Ramsey’s steadfast pursuit of Western frontier justice, Columbo aired once a month.  My childhood admiration of Lt. Columbo led me to keep my rain jacket on while I watched the show.  As I matured, I realize I particularly respected his unconditional self-acceptance and willingness to be true to himself regardless of his extensive number of eccentricities and the opinions of other people.  My purchase of the entire collection of Columbo movies demonstrates my lifelong devotion. 

As I reflect on the life of Peter Falk and the completion of the corpus of Lt. Columbo movies, I consider the many spiritual lessons embedded in the character and work of this fictional detective.  He personified Jesus’ admonishment to be as wise as serpent but as gentle as a dove.  Many guilty criminals grossly underestimate his brilliance and perception.  They judge him solely on the basis of his torn and tattered clothing.  They presume their intellectual superiority.   Accordingly, they expect to deceive him into believing someone else committed the crime.  They are certain they will succeed in escaping justice because they presume Lt. Columbo cannot possibly prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  Epitomizing the wisdom of experience, he leaves them in their folly.  He ironically twists their arrogance to his advantage and fascinatingly manipulates them into leading him to the clues and evidence to prove his suspicions and their guilt.  When the criminal discovers Lt. Columbo has outwitted him or her, it is too late.  The only realistic choice is a plea of guilty as a precursor to negotiating a more lenient sentence.  Still, after watching many of these movies several times each, I revere Lt. Columbo’s self-restraint and internal fortitude.  He knows his abilities, talents, intelligence and strengths.  It does not matter whether other people appreciate them.  He relies genuinely upon his inner fortitude.

An Ode to the Late Lieutenant Columbo & The Actor, The Late Peter Falk - Part Two

An Ode to the Late Lieutenant Columbo &

The Actor, the Late Peter Falk

Part Two

Not surprisingly, Lt. Columbo’s proletariat veneer cloaked his very stalwart and uncompromising principles of truth, justice, law and morality.  “When it comes to murder, there are no extenuating circumstances.”  Admittedly, each murderer deserves the presumption of innocence; but when proven guilty, he or she equally deserves punishment to the fullest extent of the law.  In many cases, Columbo works many overtime hours and surmounts awkward obstacles to verify a murderer’s guilt.  He visits his suspects so often that they find relief in their arrests as they will no longer have to interact with Columbo.  These numerous visits actually erode the mental defenses and psychological security of the suspects.  Lt. Columbo steadfastly pursues the truth and evidence regardless of the temporary personal humiliation he suffers.  From his Los Angeles Police Department superiors to politicians to Hollywood’s social upper echelon in music, acting and entertainment, Columbo withstands indifference, ridicule and dismissiveness.  A corrupt police commissioner receives the same thorough scrutiny as that of a demented, unrequited widow who blames others for her late husband’s prison sentence for racketeering, extortion and embezzlement.  In approach and practice, Lt. Columbo demonstrates effective means of persevering in one’s principles.

Mostly, I desire to cultivate Lt. Columbo’s authenticity and humility which are incalculable characteristics of mature disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.  His self-acceptance empowers him to live with integrity in his dealings with all persons regardless of their social strata, education, residence, pedigree, profession or other distinctions.  In several cases, he admits to his suspect a mutual level of dislike though he does not allow personal animus to impede the fairness and thoroughness of his investigations.  Upon arrest, most criminals actually thank Columbo for his just treatment as they realize they prejudged him but yet were the recipients of his fundamental senses of fairness.  His example teaches all of us the importance of humility particularly when a person possesses multiple gifts and intelligences.  He forsakes the easy temptation to flaunt his abilities.  Knowing his self-worth, he rests securely in his resources knowing he will employ them as he needs to do so.  Rather than affirming the presumption of limited cognitive abilities and knowledge, Columbo’s hard veneer veils his meekness, strength under pressure.  His self-effacing exterior deceives his opponents into believing they can discard anything he says.  His powerful humility is a reserve of immeasurable skills and talents which he applies as his years of wisdom and experience dictates.

Throughout my life, I have been a diehard van of Lt. Columbo.  Possessing a childhood “Walter Smitty” daydream of mimicking Encyclopedia Brown about whom I read as much as my school and local libraries had, I concluded I found a television and adult version of this children’s literature character in Lt. Columbo.  Eagerly, I watched the movies as their aired originally on NBC.  In time, I bought the entire collection of DVDs to enjoy for the balance of my life as I will continually view these movies again and again.  Most surprisingly, I serendipitously discovered spiritual lessons embedded in Falk’s exquisite acting.  Lt. Columbo’s wisdom, discernment, principles, authenticity and humility will challenge me to live with similar integrity as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Columbo would end a conversation with a suspect with the immortal words, “Just one more thing.”  Of course, there was not another thing but several items which enabled him to delve more deeply into the mind of the criminal.  But, I have really have just one more thing to say about Falk and the incredible fictional detective whom he played.  “Thank you.”

Authenticity - An Antidote to Relational and Personal Pain

Authenticity 

An Antidote to Relational and Personal Pain

What is the best method of preventing betrayal and other forms of personal pain that emerge from broken and unhealthy relationships?  In a word, it is Authenticity.  When we share our genuine feelings and honest thoughts with people, we considerably decrease the possibility of deceit, manipulation, swindling and betrayal.  If we simply state our intentions and desires with integrity and allow other people, particularly family and friends, to respond accordingly, then we rarely feel as if someone took advantage of us.

Chances are you can recall multiple instances of extending yourself through the gifts of your time, talents, treasure and temperament to help someone in need only to receive a thankless or hurtful response.  Ironically, as a clergyperson and pastor, I encounter myriad people from very diverse walks of life who assume I should be always ready to help them.  Erroneously, they presume someone in my profession must be willing to help anyone and everyone in need regardless of the expense.  An articulated need in my hearing should receive a direct and immediate response.  Acquiescing this naïve view of my calling in my earlier years, I succumbed to “people pleasing” and went above and beyond the call of duty to satisfy the emotional, mental, psychological, financial and spiritual needs of congregants and community residents.  My family indirectly suffered as a result of lengthy counseling sessions, trips to the hospital in the early morning hours, postponed family outings because of work and other inconveniences as it relates to our standard of living and quality of life.  Ironically, in a very personal and professional time of need, the people whom I had helped the most said and did absolutely nothing.  At a congregational meeting in which my character was called into question, not one member of a large family in the church to whom I had given consistent pastoral services stood and offered a word in my defense!  Nevertheless, I have a sneaky suspicion and very funny feeling I am not alone.  Assuredly, you can relate to my detriment as you have given your heart and soul to family and friends whose indifference simply trampled upon your graciousness and generosity.

An old adage offering wisdom about lending money to relatives and friends recommends “Don’t lend it unless you can do without it.”  This straightforward principle of good financial stewardship stipulates denying a request for a loan regardless of the depth and breadth of the need if you need the money and will expect repayment.  If you are able with impunity to lend the money because you will be fine even if it is not repaid, then you lend it without expecting repayment.  Should you surprisingly receive repayment, then you rejoice over your unexpected surplus.  Practically, this maxim eliminates the concept of a loan or debt which adversely affects relationships.  No one really likes the idea of being in someone else’s debt.  Essentially, you forego the concept of a loan and elect to give a gift as you value your relationship as being greater than any amount of money.  This monetary principle seeks appreciation in relationship rather than funds. 

Authenticity emerges from applying the foregoing principle in our daily affairs particularly with family, friends and colleagues.  When we extend ourselves to help other people, we do so proactively choosing to offer our help for selfless reasons without expecting anything in return even the simple words, “Thank you.”  If you choose to help someone, you do so believing it is the right thing to do and because you can without unduly harming yourself.  Quite frankly, you may help someone because you feel like helping them; the converse is equally appropriate, if you do not care to inconvenience yourself then the most helpful thing you can do is honestly tell them to find someone else.  Certainly, you recall the hissing sounds of frustration of someone who agrees to help you even he or she really does not care to do so.  It is as if they perpetually punish you throughout the favor.  Regrettably, they are unable to state honestly their inability and unwillingness to help.  Their authenticity means more than a half-hearted favor.  

Authenticity - An Antidote to Relational and Personal Pain Part II

Authenticity 

An Antidote to Relational and Personal Pain

Part II

Acceptance and awareness are important components of authenticity.  In “The Great Commandment” (Matthew 22:34-40), the Lord Jesus distills the entire teaching Law and Prophets into a two-part dictate.  Love Almighty God with our whole being and love our neighbors as we love ourselves.  In order to fulfill the second part of this divine law of love, we must first love ourselves as unconditionally as God loves us.  Self-acceptance is the beginning of self-love.  The latter is very hard to attain these days as society bombards average persons with unrealistic standards of beauty, fame, fortune and success.  Self-worth depends heavily upon material acquisition and physicality.  Unless you have a six-figure salary or seven-figures or greater net worth and possess a face and physique suitable for a magazine cover, you are not allowed to value yourself.  In stark contrast, the Psalter insists each person is “fearfully and wonderfully made in the innermost depths of the Earth” by Almighty God.  Every person is a unique child of God.  I posit the necessity of unconditionally accepting the Psalter’s view of humankind as the foundation of self-acceptance.  Appreciating yourself without the need to explain, defend, justify, excuse or apologize for your tastes, talents, interests, preferences, views or quirks yields authenticity. 

Awareness emerges from self-evaluation which is an important daily spiritual discipline.  Whether upon awakening in the morning, during the middle of the day after lunch, leaving work and traveling home or just before falling asleep, it is help to practice what Howard Thurman characterizes as “a strange freedom.”  This period of prayer and meditation equates with withdrawal from life’s busyness to examine one’s life.  What is my mission and purpose in life?  How do I best serve God and humankind?  What are my current fears?  Have I forgiven anyone and everyone of anything and everything that have ever done to harm me?  Am I grateful for life’s enduring riches of love, joy, peace, truth and justice? Am I using my God given creativity and talents?  Do I unconditionally accept myself?  Answers to personally relevant versions of these questions yield increasing self-awareness which determines how we use our time, abilities and energy.  Clarity helps us honestly decide whether we can or care to help someone in need.

Are you being more authentic with people?  Most assuredly, I can answer that question in the affirmative.  Daily, I pray for spiritual wisdom and discernment as I leave home.  I hope to maximize each day by completing the most meaningful tasks.  Utilizing the enduring encouragement of the “Serenity Prayer,” I seek God’s guidance for the best use of my time and talents.  What are the activities in which I most suited to make the best contribution?  Unlike the Apostle Paul, I am unable to all things to all people.  Realistically, I no longer have the desire to attempt such a Herculean feat.  Moreover, I seek clarity about my motives.  Are my intentions honorable and reasonable?  Am I participating to fill a lingering intrapersonal and emotional need which I hope to satisfy with the fleeting and usually insincere praise of people?  Today, I can simply let my “Yes” be “Yes and my “No” be “No.”  If I help someone, I do so with the primary objective of honoring and glorifying Almighty God.  Should they thank me, then I hope to accept their gratitude as humbly and graciously as I can.  If they do not, then I accept the thanks of my Heavenly Father.  If I do not help a person, I recognize I am unable to do so for any number of reasons.  Further, I acknowledge in some instances I elect not to help because I do care to do so.  Ultimately, they will not suffer as God will put them and their needs on the hearts and minds of other people who are better suited than me.  I will live with integrity today I honestly deal with people about my heartfelt desires and willingness.  I will be authentic.

When I am authentic, I remove the possibility of relational and personal pain.  I cannot be hurt by any outcomes as I only engage those commitments that I can embrace wholeheartedly.  I expect nothing in return.  I invest in those persons and projects that are most meaningful to me.  I share with integrity and without equivocation my genuine feelings and thoughts.  I attempt to fulfill “The Great Commandment” by loving Almighty God with my whole being and sharing His love with my neighbor.  When I commit for the right reasons and with sincerity, I am authentic.  Thus, I cannot be hurt.  My authenticity is the surest antidote to emotional and existential pain.

Reflections on the Life and Legacy of Whitney Houston

Reflections on the Life and Legacy of Whitney Houston

As I returned to our bedroom after a nice lengthy hot shower on a Sunday morning, my wife informed me of the overnight death of Whitney Houston.  This sad and very unfortunate news concretized a longstanding fear I suspect I shared with countless millions of fans of Whitney.  Allegations about uncontrollable alcohol and drug addictions plagued her for decades.  Each day during those tumultuous years, I imagine my fellow fans joined me in whispering a quick, silent and sincere prayer that “Sister Whitney” would receive the necessary grace to surmount her demons.  While we continually enjoyed her music and its enrichment of our daily lives, we hoped she would defeat her emotional and psychological foes.  We envisioned a triumphant swan song returning her to the heights of her vocal beginnings of the early seventies.  In stark contrast, we learned she exited life’s stage as a victim of a drug and alcohol induced stupor while slipping underwater and drowning during a bath.  What incredibly ignominious pauperism for a woman to whom Almighty God gave the voice of an angel! 

From the very first time I heard “The Greatest Love of All” as my sibling and I finished eating breakfast before catching the school bus, I was hooked irretrievably on her and her music.  Each time I have heard the song since, it reawakens the acceptance, confidence and peace I felt that morning.  Parenthetically, as a Christian, I realize the “greatest love of all” equates with “The Great Commandment” (Matthew 22:34-40) which admonishes us to love Almighty God with our whole being and our neighbors as equally as we love ourselves.  Practically, we cannot love ourselves without also loving humankind in manner that respects the dignity and personhood of everyone.  Nonetheless, I recall vividly thinking to myself “This woman has the voice of an angel.”  Eagerly, I awaited her further recordings.  Not surprisingly, I developed a slight crush on her as her music paralyzed me whether on the radio or television.  Unable to afford them at the time, I resolved then I would own every recording of hers someday.  Given her legitimately characterized untimely death, I am happy I achieved my personal goal by the time of her tragic end.

Tears sting my face as I lament Whitney Houston’s demise and death.  It really hurts to see the irony of how fame, fortune and success rob her of a divinely given gift.  At the time of her inimitable recording, “I Will Always Love You,” unquestionably she was the best female vocalist on Earth.  Regardless of the genre whether operatic arias, solo pieces in classical oratorios, gospel anthems, jazz or rhythm and blues, no one could match or surpass her vocal range.  Her achievements professionally deserved superlative descriptions and unparalleled critical acclaim.  Yet, they were undermined simultaneously by extreme personal adversities and character defects revealed publicly via paparazzi and myriad media sources.  Cumulatively, these personal challenges yielded the irreversible loss of her voice.  Beyond the pain of her death, it was equally hurtful to watch as she tried to regain music’s summit.  It was dreadful to observe her ignorance of the fact that she no longer possessed the internal gift or resources for the climb.  It seems as if each attempt resulted in her further descent into the depths of addiction, humiliation and despair.  I suspect innumerable fans shared my agony and angst as I said a long good bye to a woman who so greatly enriched our lives.

In her death, Whitney Houston teaches us how to live.  Once again, we regrettably learn from the expensive and excessive mistakes of someone whom we love and greatly admired.  Her tragic ending shocks us into re-examining the true rewards of celebrity, financial gain and professional achievement.  How does a person integrate character, talents, ambition and values to fulfill his or her dreams and goals?  How does a person maintain integrity upon achieving “success” in whatever form it evolves?  How does a successful person surround himself or herself with the right circle of family and friends who will encourage and empower him or her to define and develop a better self?  News reports proffer that a few persons were in an adjacent room of the hotel suite where Whitney Houston took her fatal bath.  How could they have allowed an inebriated woman to take a bath?  Notwithstanding the invitation-only funeral attended by a Hollywood “A” list of contemporary celebrities from divergent entertainment, athletic and business venues, Whitney Houston died alone.  One wonders whether any of these persons genuinely reached toward her to establish a meaningful friendship that may have prevented her regrettable ending.  Each human life offers lessons for all of us.  “Sister Whitney’s” life will forever remind us to ask hard questions of ourselves and of the people whom we love.

However much I wholeheartedly wish we could reverse time and rescue Whitney Houston, I accept she has transitioned to eternal life.  As she has been interred into blessed rest, may she find the peace that eluded her when she walked amongst her.  Her incredible musical legacy will inspire children for many years to come.  From karaoke bars to wedding receptions to drives down the freeways of our nation to IPods as we exercise and as a backdrop to life’s many demands, we will still have the voice of this angel.  In death, she will remain as unique as she was in life.  Summarily, I say to “Sister Whitney,”  “Thank you for your too brief sojourn amongst us.  I really wish it could have been longer.  Were it in my power, I would have subtracted the myriad adversities that impeded you.  Yet, they don’t overshadow your incalculable contribution to the well-being and inspiration of humankind.  Many thanks for using your gift to teach us about love of God, self and each other.  We will always love you.”

Reflections on the Life and Legacy of Don Cornelius, "Mr. Soul Train"

Reflections on the Life and Legacy of Don Cornelius,

“Mr. Soul Train”

In the several months since the regrettable suicide that took the life of Don Cornelius, “Mr. Soul Train,” I continue to pay homage to a brother who mainstreamed Rhythm & Blues and Soul music.  Using the medium of one of the longest syndicated shows on television, Cornelius revealed to the citizenry of United States of America an openly hidden treasure.  His “Black Nationalist” impulses catapulted previously marginalized and ghettoized genres of “Black music” and African American vocalists and musicians into generally accepted audiences and venues.  In time, the wizards of Madison Avenue would underlay this music in television commercials.  Relentlessly maintaining its projections of Black stereotypes, even Hollywood executives began to utilize R & B and Soul music in movie sound tracks inevitably boosting ticket and record sales.  Initially, this music was the songs and recordings that Black folk listened to as they persevered through the racial hardships of the century and a half following slavery.  Because of Don Cornelius’ visionary impulses, it became the music that America listens to whether in the marketplace, using personal electronics or on the airwaves.

As one of the millions of African Americans who grew up to the “classic sounds of Soul and R & B” in the seventies, I easily dip in a treasure trove of childhood memories of the “good ole days when music was really music.”  As I write, I see in my mind’s eye my siblings and myself gathering around our black and white television set on a Saturday morning as we anxiously awaited “Soul Train.”  Living in a small town in South Carolina, we watched eagerly to learn the new dances that emanated from the urban centers of the Northeast and Midwest.  By the time a dance reached us, it was old stock in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago or Los Angeles.  Yet, “Soul Train” was our main and most reliable source of transmission.  After all, relatives only visited annually during the summertime and the Internet was inconceivable at the time. 

Moreover, watching “Soul Train” yielded insights into emerging fashion trends in the Black community.  From dashikis to bell bottom slacks to double knit polyester leisure suits to Afros to gerry curls  to fades, “Soul Train” kept us informed as to the what was cool and in style.  Airing just before shopping trips, the show had the power to determine that afternoon’s purchases.  Further, the show brought a sense of racial, ethnic and cultural pride into the provincialism of an American Southern rural setting.  Undoubtedly, we discussed it on the bus rides to school on the following Monday morning.  It gave us a reason to “Say it loud.  I’m Black and I’m proud.”  Indeed, we were Black and proud notwithstanding the derogatory images and caricatures perpetrated by the dominant culture.  As television legitimized anyone or any issue in those days, “Soul Train” essentially showed America that Black people possessed style, ability and music worth emulating.

As I reflect upon Don Cornelius’ life and legacy, I consider the incalculable debt we owe him.  I hope in the annals of history his life will be accorded more than a footnote primarily summarizing the unfortunate relational and intrapersonal dilemmas that resulted in his suicide.  Rather, I hope a future generation will venerate him for his insight.   Cornelius ingeniously expanded upon the Civil Rights and Black Power movements using market forces and popular culture to win respectability for African American culture.  Realizing the power of music to communicate a message and transform a society’s worldview, Cornelius withstood whatever adversities and prejudices necessary to obtain a national market for “Soul Train.”  I imagine so many slammed doors and ignominious comments as I sought support for this idea of mainstream and distinctly Black television show.  Nevertheless, his perseverance enabled many vocalists and musicians to become rich and famous since his initial courageous investment as “Soul Train” became the unquestionable venue to stardom for so many performers who enjoy contemporary household fame. 

More significantly, Cornelius’ pioneering efforts expanded upon the enduring musical legacy of the African Diaspora as it evolved in the spirituals and blues of American slavery and the burgeoning Jazz and Black, regional musical hybrids of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.  Appropriately, Cornelius won acceptance of this collective African American art form without surrendering to acculturation, assimilation and accommodationist influences.  He ensured Black unapologetically retained its authenticity.

We will never knew the intricacies of the private descend into a very personal hell that fired the gunshot wound to his head thereby liberating him from an excruciating pain.  News report quoted a very close friend who mentioned having had lunch with Cornelius on the Tuesday prior to his death.  The friend did not observe any indications of what would occur within the week.  He also does not recall any verbal foreshadowing of Cornelius’ imminent suicide.  My heart bleeds for this close friend as I imagine he still asks “Did I miss something?  Was the lunch a last cry for help and I simply missed the warning signs and did not hear Don’s plea for help?”  I pray Cornelius’ friend will find peace and resolution in the coming days.  His pain reminds us of the importance of investing genuinely and faithfully in friendships. 

Like Cornelius’ friend, I wish someone could have penetrated the citadel of despair, depression and destitution that defamed a visionary on his final day.  After all he did to enrich the lives of millions of persons who may never know his seminal contribution to American popular culture, certainly something could have reached toward him and assist him as he stepped off the precipice of bleakness and hopelessness.  It stands to reason we are unable to answer any of these questions for our brother, Don Cornelius.  However, we can invest more authentically in our friendships to prevent such a dastardly ordeal in the lives of people who are nearest and dearest to our hearts.

Don Cornelius ended each episode of “Soul Train” with a blessing for the viewing audience.  “I wish you love, peace and soul.”  In an ecclesiastical setting, his closing words equate with a Benediction, the final component of a worship service.  As we celebrate his life and immeasurable legacy, we commend his soul to Almighty God from whom Brother Don Cornelius came with the humble and fervent hope of divine graciousness.  I pray Brother Don’s soul shall rest in peace with thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God for Don’s unique contribution to humankind.  For you, the reader of this blog entry, I extend his immortal words as you pursue the life you always imagined.

Joy Through the Eyes and Smile of a Child

Joy through the Eyes and Smile of a Child

A big beaming smile and large excited eyes with a wide mouth open with anticipation.  Despite the heat and humidity and occasional rain on most nights of the annual summer festival, I received payment for my services at the cotton candy, Italian ices, popcorn, ice cream and cold water booth from each child whose parent bought the first item.  My heart melts each time a child comes to the booth and becomes ever so excited when his or her parents says “Yes” to the request, usually accompanied by jumping up and down and a feverish voice.  Though my clothes are damp from perspiration in the intense heat and humidity; my arms are sticky because of the residual sugar; and my wrist tires from twisting the paper stick cone in rapid circular motions, I stand for hours and perpetually make the most aesthetically pleasing and visually appetizing bundle of cotton candy of which I am capable.  Each child’s beaming eyes and big, bright smile are my payment.

Life’s daily challenges often erode our childlike faith and joy.  Dealing with adult problems often result in cynicism and weariness.  As I become more jaded, I lose appreciation for beauty as it unfolds each day.  Easily, I pass the captivating scenery of nature’s canopy with its brilliant colors and fascinating brush strokes.  I take the smell of fresh roses for granted.  I become annoyed as I observe the marvelous unity and collaboration of army ants as they find food rather than stop and momentarily appreciate their wisdom and example.  The melodious voices of happy birds, bullfrogs and crickets combine to compose nature’s symphony and blend into the city’s cacophony of squealing buses, barreling trains and screeching car brakes. 

Actually, working at one of the booths of this annual carnival is an imposition.  Despite the perennial increases in tuition at my children’s parochial school, parental contracts stipulate a commitment of six of the eleven nights.  The dates of the festival seemingly coincide with the hottest and muggiest days each year.  Stepping outdoors, you immediately break into a sweat.  For four continuous hours, I stand at the cotton candy machine.  Long lines forms with anxious people who want a large wad of fluffy, machine spun sugar with food coloring to distract them from the heat.  Adults long for this treat as much as children.  Perhaps, like me, they digress to their childhood innocence when they did not have to budget their money or entertain any of life’s myriad worries.  Yet, I stand whirling paper cones in large metal bowls to create a magical treat.  Natural musk becomes my fragrance as I contemplate my to-do list and a nice, long, warm and hot shower which would ordinarily precede some fun activity at home on a usual summer night.

My digressions and frustrations immediately evaporate each time a child makes his or her way to the head of the line.  With enthusiastic body language, he or she essentially demands cotton candy from his or her parents who usually are powerless to resist such a genuine and solicitous plea.  I walk over to the counter.  Mimicking the child’s excitement, I ask if the cotton candy will be for him or her.  With a loud affirmative reply, I motion that I will make a big one just for him or her.  The child’s initial delight is the first half of my payment.  Though we collect money from the parents, it is really a meaningless part of this transaction.  The value of these sales exceed economic measurements whether micro or macro.  My benefit extends beyond the fulfillment of my contractual obligations as a parent with a child enrolled in the school.  The balance of my payment is given to me with the incredible and indescribable look of satisfaction and expectancy on each child’s face when I hand him or her a huge bundle of cotton candy.

The cumulative effects of my six nights of making and serving cotton candy are two enduring spiritual and practical lessons.  Once when teaching His disciples and a crowd of onlookers about the kingdom of God, the Lord Jesus Christ says unless a person receives the kingdom as a child he or she is fit to belong to it.  Ironically, like the teachers of the Laws, scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’ era, many learned people will never enter the kingdom of God because they will not cultivate the childlike humility and trust in Almighty God.  An affirmative faith in the immortal existence, miraculous deeds on humankind’s behalf, and loving character of God as the Bible reveals does not require a doctorate degree.  The trust of each child awaiting cotton candy provided by the love and generosity of a parent reminds me of God’s unconditional and unfailing love for each of His seven billion children.  Second, the glee of excitement and expectancy that overwhelmed each child exhorts me to pause and be thankful for life’s many simple but significant joys such as a favorite color of cotton candy or flavor of ice cream.

Amazingly, this year’s six nights of sweat and labor rewarded me with joy through the eyes and smile of a child.