"He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." -Zephaniah 3:17

I love those moments when you are outside or driving and the whole world seems to be in silence. The world stops for a time and does something together, for the most part.
It is as if we are all preparing, thinking, together. When I think of these moments, a few from the past come to mind.
Christmas Eve. I know it sounds ironic with all the jitters children get, but the outside world seems so quiet and calm. The families are in their homes, silently thanking God or whatever higher being, for what they have. They are creating quiet memories of their own in front of their fireplaces. The great moments of a family bonding without a sound and maybe even without consciousness as they make memories for, hopefully, another great Christmas.
Superbowl Sunday. Another irony what with all the hoopla. I am NOT a football fan. I hardly understand it, and, quite frankly, I hate it. Especially watching it. It is so boring to me. They take way too long to play-I'm more basketball myself. Maybe it is because the University of Memphis' football team stinks and basketball is much more flattering to the school. Who knows? But Superbowl Sunday is another day where we join together inside analyzing and bonding, and, more importantly, discussing commercials. The outside world awaits, holding its breath for the outcome.
The eve of the St. Jude marathon. That one is Memphis oriented, but still, I felt it a lot last night. I was driving around all over town last night to make different events, but it seemed so quiet. The city was waiting and resting to make something great happen.
And it was amazing.
To see how many people showed up to run for these kids was incredible. I have never been to a marathon before so this was all new to me. I was only volunteering, but it was just as incredible. It was a great day where all of the humanity around me was in sync. And for a great cause. For once we weren't complaining about traffic or how bad or city was. Everyone was all smiles. Everyone was trying to help and be considerate. People lined every bit of the course to encourage others they didn't even know. Everyone wants you to finish. As people crossed the finish line you felt so emotional and attached to this event.
It is just a race. Just cones on a road with a bit of food at the end.
But so much more than that. When you see all the families, fit and unfit, running for their child, niece/nephew, grandchild, church member's kid, you choke up. Some have passed, some are fighting, and a few have even won their battles. It puts a face to the disease.
These people are tired of how things are and want to help support and change the diseases children face. Sure, a lot were trying to qualify for the Boston marathon, too, but I will give them the benefit of the doubt.
The celebration was in sync.
This is how things should be.
Dropping ourselves and playing together.