ShareMany thanks for the birthday wishes today.As I sit at home this afternoon watching the snow fall, I keep thinking about the children decorating the Jesse tree last Sunday, and Bill’s short theology lesson about the Jesse tree during today’s service. One thing that keeps resonating with me is STORIES. The ornaments that hang on the Jesse tree represent so many stories — the history of Jesus’ ancestors. The parabales we hear every week from the New Testament are all stories. We all shared our stories during the round of Sermon Ball at last week’s St. Andrew’s celebration. And, one of the most sacred stories ever told will be reenacted by our parish children next Sunday morning. Who we are, what we are, and what we hold dear are often recounted and remembered in stories.
My parents were in Greencastle for a few days this past week to get their grandchildren “fix” and celebrate an early birthday with me. And, inevitably, my mom retold the tale (or tall-tale) of my birth:
Dennis, you were two weeks, or was it 3 weeks, late. We probably had a foot of snow on the ground and I was just so tired of being cooped up in the house with your brothers and sister. So I bundled them up and went outside. I shoveled the entire driveway by myself and then I pushed the kids around the neighborhood on their sleds…….finally, later that night you arrived…
I always roll my eyes when my mom starts that story, but I am glad she keeps telling it. I hope some day Ellie and Charlie will roll their eyes the same way when I retell stories about them.
God Bless,
Dennis
