The final test at the end of a year-long course in comparative religion asked this: “Out of what you have studied, take the best aspects and construct a new religion.” Ha. No problem, right? I was young and smart, and eager. After a month of struggle, I turned in a final paper that simply said I could not do it.
Odd how ordinary topics rise to the surface of conversation and news. Eggs, for example. And just in time for Easter. And at the same time, bird flu (avian influenza H591 virus) stalks the chicken population and maybe us. “Uncertain times” is another topic these days.
When I first came to this small town in Utah, there was only one stop light. Now, there are more than ten, and more are being installed. What has not changed much is human behavior. An essay I wrote in 1993 shows just that.
Suddenly, out of the fog, two young men rush by. Carrying trombones. Followed by two snare drummers and a bass drum on a cart. All headed in the direction of the sound of the trumpet.
While shopping in the local supermarket, a child passed me pushing a cart filled with groceries. Her mother walked behind, cradling a newborn in a sling. In the place in the cart usually reserved for little kids was a large doll. I asked the little girl, “Is that your baby?” She sharply replied, “No, stupid. that’s a doll.”