Ask deacon mike

I spend a lot of in the car driving back and forth between my home in Collegeville and our parish here in the Upper Perkiomen Valley. It is about thirty minutes each way. Sometimes I use the quiet time to think about the particular aspect of ministry that I will participate in that day. Other times I listen to music. But mostly I am a news and information junkie. I love NPR and other networks that help me gain a better perspective on the world I live in.

A few weeks ago I was on my way home after a long Sunday morning and I was listening to a local news station. There is one commentator that I particularly like to listen to, Bob Shieffer of CBS News. While most of the time he comments on the critical issues of our time, once in a while he deviates and does a bit of philosophizing. Such was the case this day.

Mr. Shieffer admitted up front that he had no idea from where what he was about to present came. But what he presented really struck me. First I could not stop laughing. But the more I though about what he said the more I began to think of the wisdom of the words. So, I would like to share with you what he shared with his audience that day: What We Would Learn If Dogs Were Our Teachers.

• Always run to greet loved ones when they come home.
• Never pass the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
• Recognize the ecstasy of fresh air and wind in your face.
• Take naps.
• Stretch before rising.
• Run, romp and play daily.
• Thrive on attention.
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On warm days, lie on your back in the grass.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and find some shade.
• When you are happy, dance around and wag your whole body.
• Enjoy taking long walks.
• Be loyal.
• Never pretend to be something you are not.
• If what you want is buried, dig deep until you find it.
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Obviously who ever composed this was more than a dog lover. This individual saw something in God’s creation that quietly gave testimony to the goodness and purpose of life. I think there are some very distinct values that we can garner from the world around us if we only open our eyes to what lies in front of us. I hope you enjoyed this and that you will take some time to reflect on these behaviors.

I also want to remind you to strongly consider joining us for our up-coming parish mission which will take place from February 28 through March 4. This will be an ideal Lenten exercise for all of us to participate in together. Check the Sunday bulletins for more details and times.

I have received some questions lately about baptism. I will address them in my next article. If you have any questions concerning baptism or any other sacrament or any other questions concerning the Church or parish life please let me know. You can reach me in several ways. 1) Send a note to the rectory addressed to me. 2) Drop a note in the Sunday collection basket addressed to me. 3) Send me an e-mail at deaconmikefranks@verizon.net. I promise that in all cases your identity will not be revealed.

Have a wonderful day and remember to take some time to learn from your furry friends. God bless you and I love you all.

Deacon Mike Franks