CONVERSATION WITH A PRO

Hello, God---it's me again. I'm still here---thank You for that. You are very quiet lately. Are You still there? Perhaps You are wondering what to do with us. Things aren't much better this year, as You have probably noticed. The terrorists haven't given up on us ---they want us gone. But we're fighting back by profiling each other ---wouldn't want to insult the terrorists by singling them out. Our economy is still pretty much in the tank, and nobody seems to know what to do about it--do You? This week North Korea bombed South Korea, which may be the start of something big. Other nations aren't doing so well either, especially Haiti, where cholera is running rampant. On the bright side, Prince William, of England, announced his betrothal to Kate, a commoner of uncommon style, looks, and background. This was particularly good news, as we hear that the institution of marriage is going out of style, and in another decade or so, weddings and lifetime commitments will be passe, a thing of the past, gone ---like waiting to get married before having a child. We're very progressive these days, and are doing away with anything not convenient or to our liking. And You'll be interested to note that Bristol Palin daughter of the much loved/hated politico, Sarah Palin, did not win the Dancing with the Stars competition-----everybody is happy. I don't know how it is up there, but we like our winners to be real, with the right stuff---popularity contests are not us---no Sir, we are purely motivated and highly discriminating when it comes to dance contests . Elections are a different matter, however. Experience and skill sets don't seem to count as much then---if we like 'em, we vote for them. Period.

So, for now, we continue to float quietly, gently, surely through space----if only we could enjoy the peace of that ride. What's that? You wish us to be happier and less stressed? Easy for You to say. Forgive my impudence---what is Your secret for remaining calm in the face of all our problems? Something called "hope"? For us? So, You haven't given up on us yet---you still believe? And we should ---believe that all things are possible? If You say so---guess You should know. But I wouldn't bet Your eternity on us--we're an unruly. rascally bunch. We all believe something different, everybody thinks they're right--- we're a virtual "tower of Babel", speaking many languages, with assorted religions, going in different directions. But what can I do? I'm just one small person. You've heard the expression, "like trying to herd cats"? I can't imagine how You can hope to manage us all anymore. We seem lost, astray. Yes? You say You don't give up easily? But You need my assistance? Oh---I don't know my Lord, I'm not Your best choice----I'm worn, broken in some respects, dubious, questioning,---and very sassy. You'll use me the way I am? Okay, then. I'm in--- reporting for duty. Show me how to help.What? A local soup kitchen? A nursing home? The unkempt homeless man on the corner? The spiteful neighbor next door? The family member I haven't spoken to in years? Well,----that's pretty heavy duty stuff--I mean, Haiti might be easier. I have a very full schedule --busy, busy. Certainly, you can find someone better suited for the job. But thanks for caring, and believing against all odds that things will get better. Gotta run----You might want to keep an eye on North Korea, though---just a thought.

Nice chatting with you. Thanks again for still being there. Please don't despair. Think of us as Your work in progress. Surely,You'll come up with something---after all, we're not Your first rodeo. You know, I can see You now--- Oh, my God, You are beautiful, magnificent, awesome. I had no idea---- but why the tears?