Sunday, June 7, 2009

Sunday

Kristen is enjoying her favorite kind of Sunday. The kind where the breeze comes in through the window and the bells of the church are playing pretty songs. Doesn't hurt that I got myself back on the elliptical and am feeling a small surge of 'thank god I can still do this'. Exercise clothes are packed for the week-long trip to Phoenix in hopes of killing some time finding muscles that might be hidden under one too many burritos.

Without writing a small novel, I ask you internets, and feel free to respond privately via email and not as a comment (but you can do that too) what you think about this because it's driving me a little crazy. I have recently asked folks to think good thoughts if that's what they do or to pray if that's what they do, for my friends who are going through some unquestionably tough times with their newborns. I have been told that asking people to pray is hypocritical because I don't necessarily believe in a god. I'm a little miffed because my intentions were/are pure and I'm trying to build as big a network of positive energy as I can realizing that not everyone builds good energy the same way. I guess it's not a question of my intentions but rather of my choice of words. I could have asked everyone I spoke to to think good thoughts and 'send good vibes' if you will. What are your thoughts?

Milo and I have had a lovely morning keeping each other company. I have learned that I cannot upload video taken on my cell phone to another site without buying a Quicktime upgrade so I cannot share with you our latest adventures with the red light. But here he is in all his pretty boy glory.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I struggle with that also. To say "I'm sending good thoughts (vibes, wishes, etc) your way" personally that sentiment sounds shallow and insincere. Yet to say "I'm praying for you" I worry that the person will take that as a personal religious statement that they may not be comfortable with - I dont know if they pray or what they believe in- but to say those words to me conveys a deeper more sincere "I'm really thinking of you and rooting for you and hope things turn out alright"
So my thought for the people that are calling you out can just suck it, they are missing the big picture. They may not have found themselves in a situation where they have needed to rely on hope/faith whatever you want to call it to get them through an ordeal or seen/felt how wonderful, positive, reaffirming it is knowing that your friends and family are in your corner.
Jenni

Anonymous said...

I always say "you're in my thoughts" instead of "I'm praying for you" too. Same as Jenni - I have no idea if the person is religious so I won't force it on them. Plus I'm not sure WHAT I believe in, so saying "I'm thinking of you" is what actually happens.

I'm not sure why people would think that it's hypocritical to ask for prayers if someone prays. Seems like those folks have lost sight of what really matters.

xxx
-KP