My mom is a great performer and has an angelic voice, and long ago, though she may not remember, as we are all getting older, she gave me a small riddle which stuck with me for life?

My mom gave me the first part of a haiku years ago, when i was a kid and already performing in the neighborhood, and later in bands. Every kid likes riddles!

Derek you are always loved because the fat lady never leaves and always applauds, regardless of how well you perform; though she often, like you sits in the back row of church. My mom is a tiny lady, so i knew she wasn’t talking about herself, but some other Source of staying constantly loved. Hearing the daily applause of being!

Sometimes she gives standing ovations, my mom said. Years later, she told me the fat lady was named Grace, which was my grandmother’s name, so i thought for a while it could be her who was praying and cheering me on.

Then years later, that her real name was Jesus. I had already met Him, and immediately agreed! He’s the one who always claps for us, regardless.

That little koan stuck with me. Jesus is the one always cheering for us, celebrating our identities, and always excited about our performance in life! Ok, got it! Wow, that only took 50 years!

Who knows what i will learn in the next, now that i know my audience! Although seeing the Holy Spirit, as a fat lady, has always slightly troubled me. Perhaps, that is just her current form! One for our benefit!