Throwing up a Hail Mary!

(A version of this story ran on September 24, 2018. My faith has its ups and downs, its rough patches and moments of clarity, but through it all, I’m grateful to be loved.)

I pushed the button rolling down my window and let the afternoon sun and wind whip through the car.

My day had started miserable and now out of the blue, thanks to a myriad of things unknown to me, it had turned for the better. As soon as I left the house in the morning, I spilled coffee on my shirt and my phone dinged as a slew of emails, all needing my immediate attention, came into my inbox. The day was not getting off to a promising start.

I had been working a ton of extra hours, getting into work early, and staying late. I needed a break. I even found myself saying “here we go again.” However, somewhere in the middle of a crummy day things began to turn. I could see a glimmer of hope on the horizon.

I got some positive feedback from a client. My project team made progress on a long-standing, problem. Two late evening meetings had been cancelled and I would be able to get home at a decent time. And to top it off, my daughter called about some good news in one of her classes and my wife texted me that she couldn’t wait to see me.

With the meeting burden off my back and miles passing by, my mood shifted and I got to thinking about the quick Hail Mary prayer that I had said that morning on my way to work.

My active imagination

Mary holds a special place in the hearts of Catholics. She’s the mother of God and the mother of the church. We seek to be like Mary, to have her strength and her faith. We don’t bow down or worship her like God, but we do ask her to pray for us.

In saying the Hail Mary, I prayed that she would pray for me and that my challenging day would become more bearable. In looking back on the day, I was amazed how my problems turned from Everest-like mountains to easily passable molehills.

I imagined Mary approaching Jesus. I assume she approached him before the party really got started, since that’s what I imagine heaven must be, one big 24/7 party full of close friends and family. Hey it’s my dream of Heaven, I can make it whatever I want.

I imagined Mary calling out for Jesus, not by his given name, but by a pet name, maybe “My Lil’ Prince” or “My Babykins” or even “Sweetpea.” When I was little, my mother used to call me Pumpkin or Pudding. I’m in my mid-fifties and she still calls me “Her Baby.” If Jesus is fully God and human, wouldn’t a part of his experience be just like mine, right? So, here’s looking at ya: “Cutie Pie”

In any event, I imagine, Mary calling out to her beloved Jesus and telling him that I had placed a special request for the day.

Mary and Jesus

In my imaginary make-believe story, Jesus rolls his eyes and asks: “What’s he want this time?” Mary explains, “Of course, he asked to win the Powerball.”

“Good grief, hasn’t he learned anything yet? What’s he think this is? A silly game show? Wheel of Fortune or The Price Is Right? My kingdom is more than a bunch of dollar bills for the taking. Doesn’t he remember that it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

He pauses and then continues, “Just for that, make sure the Cub Scouts, Girls Scouts, and all the Little Leaguers in his town hit him up this summer, soliciting for their fundraisers. That will show him.”

“Yes, yes, Jesus I know, he can be a touch impatient, but he could really use the help. Can you help one of my children ? Can’t we just give him a small sign? You know best honey, but I think it will really work this time.”

“Oh Mother, you always know how to get what you want. Tsk, tsk, tsk, what am I going to do with you?”

“Oh Jesus, one of these days, he’s going to surprise us yet, I can feel it.”

Thankful all the same

Oh, I’m sure my crazy dream is way off the mark, but I hope parts are true: especially the part where Jesus tells us he loves us, forgives us when we fall, and helps us on our journey.

I know one thing: I was certainly grateful for the gift of patience and appreciation. I raced home from work thankful for the love of friends and family; a good job, and the chance to have a quiet, relaxing evening.

There’s no doubt that frustrations and challenges exist around every corner, but there’s good if we care to look for it. I know I thanked God for his abundant grace (and for giving me a sense of humor.)

What are you looking for in your life?

Hail Mary!