News That Made Me Smile

The news this season is anything but uplifting. Scandals at federal levels, terrorism at international ones, unspeakable crimes against children, general social and moral decay.

But a few stories this week actually put a huge grin on my face. Maybe you’ve already seen or heard them, but on the off chance you didn’t, let’s review them, because they’re fun, or funny, or inspiring, or all three.

Well, you gotta love the first one. A couple days ago J.R. Gilkinson was sailing with a few family members just off Newport Beach in California, when a baby sea lion, evidently tired and wanting a break according to Gilkinson, jumped onto the boat and strode right over to the man, rubbing up against his leg, snuggling into his lap, then proceeding to take a near-hour long nap. “It was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had,” Gilkinson said, and I believe him. “I appreciated every second because I didn’t know how long it was going to last.”

Ever the gentleman, Gilkinson noted that the entire encounter was “completely on the sea lions terms. He wanted to come rest on me so we let him.” Wise move, since technically one isn’t supposed to make physical moves on a sea lion, assuming of course one has the extraordinary chance of being close to one.

When they finally came to harbor, Gilkinson announced it was time to say goodbye, and with a gentle nudge the pup walked to the boat’s edge and jumped off. Gilkinson’s remark on the encounter is classic understatement:

“This type of thing just doesn’t happen.” No indeed, not until the Lord’s Millennial Reign, at least.

Then there’s the Pennsylvania doctor who scooped up a baby moose in an act of intelligence, quick thinking and compassion.

While on a fishing trip in southwestern Montana, Dr. Karen Sciascia and her guide noticed a mother moose with her calf, trying to make it across the river. Mom did OK, but baby got caught up in the current and carried downstream after Mom had already crossed the waters. It looked bad – the calf was fully submerged except for its nose, which it was heroically keeping above water. “We lost sight of the baby,” Dr. Sciascia reports. “It was hurtling downstream and was being pushed by the river. It was too small to ever fight the current.”

And evidently it wouldn’t have, nor would it have survived, if the good doctor wasn’t so undaunted. She and her guide chased the baby moose down the river, spotted it, then reached over to scoop it out of the water and onto the boat. Its little heart was racing (no surprise) but it still breathed, so they steered over to the riverbanks and plunked it onto dry ground , safe but shaken. It began bleating (sounding like a puppy according to the doctor) and, as the boat pulled away, they saw Momma Moose charging down the banks towards her baby. Scary story; happy ending.

Finally, a commencement exercise that became a statement of faith, or politics, or both, depending on your take of the event. Officials at Liberty High School in South Carolina ruled that prayer was inappropriate at school functions. No doubt many parents and students objected, but Roy Costner IV, the school’s valedictorian, took his objections to high decibel level. With school officials seated behind him, Costner took out his written (and pre-approved) speech, tore it up, then looked at the crowd and explained:

“Those that we look up to, they have helped carve and mold us into the young adults that we are today. I’m so thankful that both my parents led me to the Lord at a young age. And I think most of you will understand when I say …”

And then he recited the Lord’s Prayer.

The officials behind him didn’t say “amen.” But the crowd did, clapping then cheering so loudly that, by the time Costner finished the prayer, he couldn’t be heard.

Never has teenage rebellion looked more attractive.

Hope the weekend’s full of attractive times for you, too. God bless. Thanks for being here.

Love,

Joe