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An Ally


Part of my friend Hung's success comes from prudent spending. We joke about it often, when we talk, and he told me that his son, Jordan, learned to play the drums by practicing with cardboard boxes. I admire that, and I admire that Jordan has become quite the drummer (I saw a video that Hung sent me) by beginning his practice on boxes. I think that it's good for us to learn to achieve our goals without investing first in the material aspects of those goals.

I wondered, today, why he had invited me, and I know that it's because we're friends. But, I also thought about his time and effort and material expenses. I know well that he would not spend 50 or 60¢, plus time and effort to send me an envelope if he did not expect a response. But, what was he thinking? What could I have to offer Jordan?

I've wondered that every day since I began planning this task of daily praying. What benefit could Jordan possibly receive from me praying for him every day? I know that Hung and his family to faithfully follow their beliefs.

I, myself, practice prayer, when invited or welcomed, in open temazcal ceremonies. Likewise, I've learned the discipline of praying, by "kneeling a bit more," as prescribed by the Oso Mario and practice it as part of my own maintenance rituals. I, more than Jordan, receive the benefits of praying for him. 

In that comes much of the benefit. The son of one of my best friends from my college days, Jordan, has one more contact in the world. Whether or not he receives any benefit from my prayers, in a spiritual sense, transmitted from here, through the heavens, and back to his physical and spiritual self, in Manaus, I can say nothing. 

However, I'll probably see him this year, at Thanksgiving, and I will have, by dedicating thought, time, and prayer to him each day for more than 10 days, have somehow become a greater ally to him, his beliefs, and his future. That's something that I would like to know that one of my own daughters has. I understand why Hung spent 50 or 60¢ on me.

...con todas mis relaciones!




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