Howard or Here

Robert Fulghum is a former minister and school teacher best known as an author. He uses stories to illustrate principles of life and living. His first and most famous book “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” was subtitled “Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things.” I’ve quite enjoyed several of his books over the years. (more quotes)

In his book Uh-Oh, he’s asked by a reporter if he believes in God. He tells the story of his childhood learning of the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father, which art in heaven, Howard be Thy name.” Given that his grandfather had “gone to heaven” and this grandfathers last name was Howard, Robert considered himself well placed with the Lord.

However, God was far, far away he was told. (transcendent as he mentions later, not immanent or present here) You had to wait until you died to see Him. Children starving in Mexico was the will of God and not Robert’s concern. And dancing was a sin so don’t go to the prom.

This leads into a quote:
“Now I am older. And I know that God is everywhere and in all things. [immanent] There is nowhere that God is not, even in me. I also know that starving comes from not having enough food, and that is a human problem about which something can be done.
I know that dancing comes from having much joy.
And when everyone has enough to eat, everyone will dance, especially Howard.
It took me fifty years to figure that out.
Pass it on. Come to the dance.”

Love it.
Davidya