A FIDDLER’S PRAYERS

Sometimes I wish life were a musical. Wouldn’t it be great to break out into song and dance whenever we’re happy or sad? Well, maybe not!

A few months ago, I watched Fiddler on the Roof for the umpteenth time. Afterward I said to my eight-year-old, “I love how Tevye prays; he talks to God any time, any place.”

No matter what he’s doing, Tevye, the Russian Jewish peasant, talks to God as if God were right beside him in the flesh. He complains about the struggles of being poor, asking God, “Would it spoil some vast eternal plan if I were a wealthy man?” He asks God to pick on someone else: “I know we are your chosen people. But once in a while, can’t you choose someone else?” Milking his cows or walking down the street, Tevye talks with God about everything from the troubles in his village to his latest scheme to trick his wife.

Tevye’s talks with God make me rethink my wish about life being a musical. Instead of bursting into song, what if we broke out in prayer? We can pray any time, any place, for any reason -- and God will be listening!

Later,
      Steve