I am a natural born spectator.  In “Choosing Life,” I told you that I was born with asthma.   Athletics was out of the question, but, early on, I enjoyed watching others.  I especially liked watching the boys throw a baseball.  It was pure poetry.  This carried into my adult life where I enjoyed watching men throw a baseball.  It’s a beautiful thing to watch, the graceful throw and the amazing catch.  Pure perfection in action.

Bush, Yankee Stadium, 2001

Singing is not my gift either. The old saying about carrying a tune needs to include a U-Haul truck. This is probably why I love the opera. It’s not just that the performers are gifted by God, but they have spent years practicing and developing their gifts into something of pure beauty. The music lifts the soul and fills our entire being with pleasure. Someone needs to be there to watch, listen, and applaud. That’s my job.

As a young woman, I saw the Bolshoi Ballet perform on stage.  I had no idea that the human body could achieve such splendor.  The performance has stayed with me all my life.  I was there to watch, listen, and applaud.  What a privilege!

In the movie, Chariots of Fire, a runner said that when he ran he could feel God’s pleasure.  God watches us, too.  I know that He enjoys watching our achievements as much as I enjoy being a spectator.  He loves to see us happy, just as we love to see our children happy.  It has been my pleasure to watch, listen, and applaud all of you.  Sometimes I see a waitress executing her job with grace and skill.  I remember a man in the mall food section helping his mother with her food.  The simplest of situations can bring out the most wonderful compassion and generosity.  So, to all of you that I see along the way, “Good Job.”