Teenaged grandchildren came to lunch yesterday. Random conversation turned to ‘The Muppets’. Zak googled and sung its theme song. It ends:
It’s time to get things started
On the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational
This is what we call the Muppet Show!
I’d heard the song countless times; I’d never noticed ‘Muppetational’ before. I can think of a number of people and situations that I could have referred to as ‘Muppetational’ had I known the word…
Last Saturday we went to Dave and Jen’s wedding; next Saturday we’re looking forward to Josh and Becca’s. We’ve chatted a lot about weddings…
Yesterday it was pointed out that at a ‘traditional’ wedding the speeches are all made by men – the bride’s father, the best man, the bridegroom…
I knew this, but hadn’t noticed its significance before… inheriting this from our past patriarchal society where men spoke and silent women were subservient… I can see many reasons why this tradition should change!
I read ‘Daniel in the Lions’ Den’ this morning – a story I’ve known for as long as I can remember… 84-year-old Daniel’s thrown in the lions’ den for praying 3 times a day…
A stone’s placed over the mouth of the den; the king seals the stone with his seal… Hundreds of years later Pilate seals a stone to prevent interference with Jesus’ body… I’d never noticed the similarities before… a cave, stone, seal, certain death, their God’s intervention, death becoming life….
There’s so much haven’t noticed; so much I don’t know or understand…
We usually focus on what we know and understand. Brian McLaren talks about how we deal with what we don’t know or understand… acknowledging our unknowing, being content to live with uncertainty, coming with an open mind…
McLaren points to the importance of prayer, not to regain control and understanding, but to bring relaxation and quiet confidence, so that ‘the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’
malcolmsmusings.org 
Muppetational! Thats what it is.
After all these years.
Brilliant mclaren quote regarding quiet, calm confidence.
Really enjoy relating to your musings mate
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Thanks Graham. I was reflecting on the notion that some people see prayer as almost ‘telling God what to do’, whereas I see it as lining myself up with him – the way he operates and what he wants…
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Nice post. I watch the Muppets’ version of “A Christmas Carol” each year–it’s my favorite. I had no idea Daniel was 84 in that story…wonder how I missed that! Blessings to you.
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Thanks Leslie. You’re right – Muppets’ Christmas Carol is great… Daniel being 84 is an educated estimate – I reckon he was a teenager when he was taken to Babylon… and those who are cleverer than me reckon this is 65-70 years later…. He’s certainly an old man!
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