On Sights & Smells; Thoughts & Prayers

Once again, Insty came through with what I needed yesterday by presenting a link to a post entitled: I Was In Manhattan 9/11/01, The Sights And Smells Are Still Fresh In My Mind, written by Jeff Dunetz.

At the close of that written recollection of memories and thoughts, Dunetz included a prayer (copied below), in which a blessing of intelligence, honor, compassion and love for the constitution is asked for on behalf of those who lead.  I was taken aback when I read it, unwilling at first to give up my belief in the impossibility of any of those traits showing up in those mentioned.  Not at this stage of the game. 

"The chance of that happening," I inwardly harrumphed (going back to the words at the start of the prayer), "would be as likely as a road in the sea or a path in mighty water!"  It then took another moment to connect Dunetz's mention of going to a synagogue with the dawning awareness the notion and improbability of a road in the sea was probably linked to the story of the parting of the Red Sea as recorded in the Torah.  (With that unusual save, as the story goes, followed by 40 years of wandering around before any promised land was reached!).  At which point I realized I've also seen, in almost 70 years of wandering around, enough unexpected moments of goodness showing up outside and beyond my control to affirm roads and paths can and do turn up in unlikely ways and places.  

One of the scenes that's stayed with me from 9/11/01 involved watching the live feed from a TV reporter who'd run into the studio breathless and covered in debris.  She was close to overwhelm as she took the mic and described running ahead of the dust cloud, and how as it was almost upon her, when a fireman pushed her into a doorway and covered her with his body and coat.  She didn't know who he was, but she believed he'd saved her life.  She was so moved (and in shock) she could hardly speak about it.  There in the midst of all that horror, one unknown person who'd dedicated himself to help and save others, had done so and made a difference.  It was an act of good that mattered and to this day serves as a touchstone and a reminder to me of the difference one person, one selfless act can make. 

Here's the prayer.  Though not my style, I appreciated the focus and opportunity for refocus it offered, and was willing to read it as a request.   

Lord who grants salvation to kings and dominion to rulers, Whose kingdom is a kingdom spanning the entire universe and all eternities; Who places a road in the sea and a path in the mighty waters – may you bless the President, the Vice President, and all the constituted officers of government of this land. May they execute their responsibilities with intelligence, honor, compassion and love for the constitution wonderfully crafted by our founding fathers. May you grant them the understanding that the threat of terrorism still exists, and the knowledge of how to eradicate it from the world you created. May you always bless these United States and provide our leaders with the comprehension of your role in making this republic the land of the free and the home of the brave.