September 21st is World Gratitude Day
Gratitude is theme in Family Justice, spearheaded by none other than Matthew Liam (James) Bishop.
In FIRE DANCE Matty teaches a master class to the adults in the meaning of gratitude
Excerpt from FIRE DANCE ©Suzanne Halliday
Kelly squeezed Roman’s fingers so hard she was sure the blood supply to his hand got cut off. When the visiting minister finished reading the children’s story, he closed the book, handed it to Matty, and winked.
And then Father Herschel rocked her world.
“I like to start a lesson as if we’re stepping into a conversation in progress. As you may have guessed, we’re talking about bonds today. But not just the bonds of friendship and fellowship. Our lives are rich with bonds. Families, communities, and businesses form bonds. There is the bond between parent and child. The bond between husband and wife.”
She felt the man’s kind smile and returned it.
“I’d like to talk about the personal bond we have with gratitude. Gratitude for the people in our lives and the things we have. For without the active expression of gratefulness, our bonds suffer.”
He nodded at Matty.
“In getting to know some of you gathered here today, I met an extraordinary young man who reminded me about the importance of nurturing everything we are thankful for. I’m going to call him by his given name because the name is in the Bible, and as y’all know, the Bible is kind of what I do, so indulge me in a bit of product placement.”
Laughter filled the chapel.
“Anyway, Matthew and I were chatting about praying. I told him about my grandsons, ages ten and eight, who think bedtime prayers are for kids. We’ll gloss over the part where they are kids, and Granddad is an Episcopal priest.”
More laughter, this time mostly from the men.
“Since it’s never too late to get schooled, Matthew opened my eyes to a new way of thinking about daily devotions. He told me about the nighttime ritual his mom taught him.”
Kelly nearly crushed Roman’s fingers. She held in a sob of emotion, knowing Matty called her Mom.
“Instead of mindlessly reciting a learned rhyme, Matthew revisits the day and his awareness of the world. He highlights gratitude and understands the importance of giving thanks. His desire to return what he’s grateful for back into the world as positive energy might be the most spiritual thing I’ve ever encountered.”
Matty sat beside her. Claude Bishop reached around him and patted her knee. From the pew behind her, she heard Liam clear his throat and then briefly touch her shoulder. Roman was smiling down at her. She’d done this. She was the reason Matty was special. Teaching him to open his heart and mind came from her sadness over them having a mother who was capable of neither. Without knowing why it was important, she did everything in her power to give Matty a life she never had. And she wasn’t referring to material things. If her mother had given a shit, maybe things would have been different. But she hadn’t given a shit. It wasn’t about dolls or dresses for Kelly. All she remembered wanting was a mom. A real mom who kissed boo-boos and read bedtime stories. A mom who cared about something, anything, other than the man who chewed her up and spat her out, over, and over again.
“Life is about so many things. Everyone’s journey is different. Our experiences are not the same. Sometimes the path we take leads us someplace remarkable. Bendover is just such a place — uncommon, rare, and unforgettable. The topic of today’s lesson is friends and fellowship. What you have here defines those simple words. Take a page from young Matthew’s book and actively connect with gratitude. Be present and aware of the incredible gift you call Family Justice.”
Murmuring came from every corner of the chapel, and someone called out, “Amen.”
“As we pass the peace this fine morning, let’s take a moment to consider what the gesture means. This ancient and transformative ritual calls on us to go deeper than a casual handshake. The fellowship in this group demands more. Uplifting is contagious.”
Father Herschel’s words struck a chord inside Kelly. So did the gentle laughter rippling through the chapel.
“Be of good cheer. Open your heart. Express gratitude.”
Matty interjected, “Gratitude works.”
What could only be described as a scrum ensued. People stood, hands were shaken, cheeks kissed, hugs delivered, backs slapped, and yes, selfies taken. She hadn’t meant to cry, but she did.
Through the open chapel door, she caught a glimpse of the same thing going on with the outside group.
Roman had an arm around her shoulders and was belly laughing with his dad and Alex when a shrill whistle cut through the chatter.
The kindly priest waved his hands in the air to get their attention. “I’ve been reminded we have a schedule to keep, so let me wrap this up by saying, thank you for inviting me.” He placed a hand on his chest over his heart. “If you’ll allow a personal reflection, it’s been good for my soul to see inside an extraordinary fellowship. Now, I believe y’all have a closing song. I sound like a donkey when I sing, so I’ll end with go in peace with the blessing of God. Without further blah, blah, blah…” He ended with a smile and stepped back.
Parker and Angie moved front and center. Parker’s acoustic guitar and Angie’s Bluetooth microphone explained what was happening.
Desert Angel and her lawyer husband delivered a master class in joyful sing-alongs thanks to the Beatles classic, “With a Little Help From My Friends”. Angie sang lead vocal, and Family Justice wholeheartedly brought the harmonies and chorus. The dancing and loud, enthusiastic singing continued to the last note.
