Today is a day of splendor! The splendor of the powder-sugared snow graced the chocolate-colored tree bark and iced streets, as we ventured downtown to tour the "Vatican Splendors" exhibition. I strolled through the nearly 200 works of art and historically significant objects, reminding me of the splendid trips I had taken to Vatican City and Rome, Italy in year's past. As I read the bio clips of the Papal leaders (nope, not a pope-fan, but intrigued), I reflected on the administrative austerity and savvy and sober diplomacy with which they led the church, during their papacy.
A few who seemed to have made more of an impact were Pope Alexander III (1689-1691) who reigned with kindness, gentleness and cheerfulness. Saint Pius X (1902-1914) was known for his warmth. Pope Pius XI (1927-1939) was a former librarian, scholar and diplomat. Pope John Paul II was the Seeker of Peace, and His Holiness, Pope Benedict is known as "The Theologian". As I strolled to the end of the faux Sistine Chapel, I collected all of my thoughts and realized that we have our own Family Pope! WHO KNEW?
Yep, the white smoke is hurling outta the chimney--my bro.-in-law has been elevated to the status of a Holy man (not that he wasn't holy before...but work with me here, dear and reverent peeps.) The Reverend, Dr. C. R. R. is a man who is kind, gentle, cheerful, warm, a librarian, a scholar, diplomat, seeker of peace, and a sagacious theologian. AMAZING! So, I, along with my sisters, shared a giggle, created our own portrait, and officially pontificated our brother-in-law...Pope Clyde. He is indeed a "splendor" in our family!
On the way home, we stopped at St. Paul's Cathedral, lit a candle, and sang a little and sacred jingle - in a whispered tone, "Happy Birthday 2 U, Happy Birthday 2 U, Happy Birthday Dear Rev., Dr., Pope Clyde, Happy Birthday 2 u!" (I got poked for giggling in the church too much...some things never change....oops....can't help it. I confessed.)
May you have a BLESSED Happy Birthday, Dr. Clyde, er, Papa Clyde!
BLESSINGS: "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His Holiness." Psalm 29:1-3
6 comments:
Thanks for the wonderful blueberry email today. I never look so good. I’m really looking forward to the white robe that we’ll get in glory. Thanks for the birthday note and picture. All praise be to the gracious Lord that we serve.
Looking forward to seeing you all in Florida.
Thanks, Clyde or Pope Clyde
Truly a wonderful, compassionate and warm, kind person. Our family is blessed, and it continues on through our children and grandchildren. The mercies of the Lord are generation to generation.
Love your blogs!! Keep it up for 2009!!
Love your blogs!! Keep it up for 2009!!
Where there's a pope--there's hope!
I laughed out loud! he he he
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