so the fish said

I'm pretty sure I stole this from Garrison Keillor

So first of all, I'm an atheist. I am not interested in opening a religious debate here, just mentioning it for the record. However, I do have a prayer that I say sometimes, which I don't see as a problem because while I may be an atheist I'm not narrow-minded. It's really more of a motto anyway, it just happens to be in prayer form. Anyway, after spending so much time obsessing over my own worries I thought of it this morning and it helped a little. And since you all clearly have worries of your own that I am now fully dedicated to worrying about on your behalf I thought I would share it with you and maybe it would help you a little too. I'm pretty sure it is a line from a Garrison Keillor book, but I am too lazy to look it up, so let's just assume that I have given credit where credit is due. Anyway, here's my prayer and you are welcome to it.

Thank you, God, for this good life, and forgive us if we do not love it enough.

Comments (25)

That's good. We should all remember to be thankful for what we have (or what we DON'T have), no matter to whom we direct those thanks.

OMG. 19 days?!? You could have that baby any day now! You won't, but you COULD.
There. Something else to worry about.

Posted by angela marie | July 12, 2005 1:44 PM

that is a wonderful quote. and i'm with angela on the ohmigod 19 days thing. wow.

Posted by laura | July 12, 2005 1:47 PM

amen

Posted by Veronica | July 12, 2005 2:14 PM

Isn't Garrison relaxing? So I can't remember - what's the difference between athiest and agnostic? Can you really be either if you pray? Isn't that like admitting God does exist? Very interesting post. Tom Hanks had a good one in "Joe Versus The Volcano". "Dear God, whose name I do not know - thank you for my life. I forgot how BIG... thank you. Thank you for my life."

~Jef

Posted by Jef | July 12, 2005 2:19 PM

That's good for everyone.

Thanks

Posted by cassie-b | July 12, 2005 3:36 PM

I've been a little stressed today and that actually helped a little bit. Thanks.

Posted by trb | July 12, 2005 4:04 PM

I love it, it's perfect.

I like the Anne Lamott prayer, 'Help me, help me, help me,' and 'Thank you, thank you, thank you.'

Posted by Samantha | July 12, 2005 5:02 PM

I like that one. I'm agnostic too, but I like a good motto. I love the serentity prayer--God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Clearly there is no deity, because I'm not exactly serene and suck at letting things go, despite a good 15 years of repeating that little ditty. :)

Posted by wavybrains | July 12, 2005 5:28 PM

I like it! Thanks for sharing.

Posted by Milly | July 12, 2005 6:15 PM

The most calming thing I did during my pregnancy was sing. Christmas carols, mostly. Even though it was spring. I think singing forces you to breathe deeply, which relaxes your diaphragm, plus I associate Christmas carols with food and presents, which are two of my favorite things. Anyway, you might try it.

I also convinced myself that my unborn child would hear my voice and recognize it after delivery. I'm not sure if that's true, but I did sing the same repetoire of songs while I breastfed him, and he was always a very good eater.

Posted by notdonnareed | July 12, 2005 6:55 PM

I find it charming? heartening? affirming? --something-- that you pray despite not believing in God.

One of my favorite quotes reminds me of the importance of gratitude--"An attitude of gratitude is a constant prayer."

Posted by Polichick | July 12, 2005 7:41 PM

We do have a bit in common - I'm also an(open-minded) atheist and vegetarian. Not how I usually introduce myself at dinner parties but nonetheless significant facets of oneself.

Posted by erratic blogmatic | July 12, 2005 7:44 PM

I like that

Posted by Rhodent | July 12, 2005 8:09 PM

Agnostic vegetarian here. You must be preachin' to the choir, sister. :D

Posted by Debbie | July 12, 2005 9:42 PM

Thank you who?

Posted by Jon in Michigan | July 12, 2005 10:14 PM

Amen, sister. Thanks for helping me put things in perspective a little bit on a crazy Tuesday.

Posted by SpaceCase | July 12, 2005 10:38 PM

I love it. This good life, and the quote-prayer.

Posted by ava | July 13, 2005 10:20 AM

That is something we should all remember.

Hang on girl, you are almost there.

Posted by sleepingmommy | July 13, 2005 10:55 AM

I'm so excited for the 19 days thing. And just when you feel so alluring and sexy, I am going to tell you to start having sex, A LOT! It will help ripen the cervix.

The mantra/prayer is great! I'm putting that up in my cubby at work.

On another note, I have TONS of doula advice to offer but have restrained myself because I don't want to be perceived as giving ass-vice instead. Just know you and Chris are on my mind and that I have good stuff if you're interested. :-)

Posted by doulazanie | July 13, 2005 11:25 AM

i think we could all stand to be reminded of our good life every once in a while. i like it. i think i will borrow it....

Posted by suze | July 13, 2005 12:02 PM

Very sweet. But will it help me find college money?

Posted by Queen of Ass | July 13, 2005 12:28 PM

That is a lovely prayer. As a Pagan, I, too, may adopt it. Thank you for sharing.

Posted by Garnet | July 13, 2005 1:28 PM

That's a good thought. I'll try it :)

Posted by Heather | July 13, 2005 5:35 PM

we all believe in some form of 'god', whether we say we don't or do. and actually, it does matter to whom you direct your thanks to.

Posted by jungs | July 13, 2005 11:34 PM

thats a good one, i will have to remember it.