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“Don’t eat clown fish, they taste funny”… That was a classic joke on a poster at the Coney Island “Mermaid Parade” by a guy in a hat with a group who dressed like Nemo from the movie. You could say that was a “dad joke” – the term for silly jokes these days…

I really really enjoyed my trip yesterday, a fabulous day in lower Manhattan, with a great friend. The day had GREAT weather, 70 in daytime, light jacket at night walking around World Trade Center. Yes, our mission: meet up with another friend and head to Coney Island for the “Mermaid Parade”, and to see the sights. Got to ride the giant Wonder Wheel Ferris Wheel, which was high priority on my bucket list, watched the 3 hour parade (crazy parade fun and full – 3 hours!), and had delicious ice cream Gelato, coconut cream plus cookie monster, on the boardwalk after, yum! I am OK with crowds when you don’t have to go anywhere and have all you need.

The people (and I) LOVED the parade, the atmosphere, the LOVE… People watching at its finest and fun-est. The crowd people cheered and NYC brave police officers were so friendly and kept calm with a mutual appreciation of a day of fun. The costumed people like me were having extra fun – I got in lots of pics even on the subway just because of my jellyfish hat and matching dress, which I already owned in my wardrobe, got that hat years ago. The lace tentacles were useful to tie it and keep it from blowing off in the wind – and CRUCIALLY it gave me shade for the parade.

What a parade! GOOFY!!! YES, a few seashell and conkshell wardrobe malfunctions (most purposefully planned – haha). Beach attire and costumes for all shapes and sizes, no need to hide your eyes, many wardrobes held no surprise! But yeah, FUN! FUN FUN FUN.

We took the subways up and down, crowded but expected, can’t beat the price and convienience. ONE of the best things my Dad (and Mom) taught me how to do in life, demonstrating this themselves, was how to talk to strangers – with open friendliness – with caring and help – with joy.  You don’t have to give out your address or bank account numbers, but you can talk about the flavors of ice cream you love – or the types of dogs you enjoy – or the antics of your kids – or whatever…  Yeah – pass the time in a fabulous way… We are all but traveling in this world, so make sure to pack and unpack JOY. My life has experienced helpfulness from others, especially directions on maps this weekend, so whom am I not to share,  especially share JOY, share a SMILE and share a dime sometimes. My life has been blessed by God to keep going strong, so whom am I not to share His strength and fruit of the Spirit, even if sometimes it’s a polite smile and a shaking of the head “NO” to others, like those who wanted a signature to protest something, or some loose change after you gave it all out.

My Dad had a great saying about work and business: “be good to the people as you climb up in this world because you never know who you are going to meet if you fall back down” – and he always said: you can appreciate someone who knows how to sit down and have a cup of coffee with you and to just chat – someone who takes the time to chat.

I learned from my Dad to treat everyone nicely and with respect – I don’t care if someone said to me; “well, then you could get taken advantage of” – well sure, of course, you have to be careful not to get caught up in too much – not to overcommit – not to rob Peter to pay Paul in life. But in all circumstances you can mentally say and pray: “how can I help?” even if it is sometimes to just be quiet… Don’t be afraid to be burned – put on sunscreen and a hat for life – put on armor of God for your heart and get back out there in life.  Best to wear and rock a funny hat when called upon! Better to smile and wave and walk away when you have to.

“Don’t eat clown fish, they taste funny”… yup! We are to taste the goodness of life and walk away from some of the fluff, from much of the strife. We can embrace life and make it just a little better – and HAVE FUN. But yes put on your funny hat, life is too short not to – it will scare a smile out of the most staunch grump. Yes, share a safe dime, or something extra you can live without. ESPECIALLY share a smile and open chatter – because friendliness does matter. People are People, you too.

My Father’s Day JOY is that I had Dad (and now have my Dad in Heaven) who taught me to care about others, which of course is sharing the Love shared by all our BIG Dad, Abba Father God, remembering His commandment to LOVE ALL. 

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there and dad-figures too.

Amen to fun and life and love.

Yes Talk to Strangers – they are all God’s Children. But Don’t eat the clown fish…

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PS: yes I made it back to sleep and get to church in the park this morning where I was able to share this prayer:

Lord, You are our Father, Creator, Maker, Savior, Mercy-giver, Life-Satisfier, Hope, Master, Freedom-giver, and Motivator. You have built Your Kingdom and House lovingly for You want  to create forever time to spend with us.  Thank You. You say the ‘house of the righteous contains great treasure’, ẅell Lord, living in Your righteousness we will not only survive, in Your kindness we THRIVE.

We witness Your sacrifice Jesus, redeeming us through Your Blood. Keep us tightly focused on watching You, living like You. You shared the most important Family value of FORGIVENESS to us and all – and You remind us to share it in this broken world. Your Redemptive Love is the most powerful force of all. Because we are Your sons and daughters, You sent the Spirit of Jesus into our hearts, and He IS the Spirit in us who calls out, “Abba, Father.” Thank You for Your safety zone.

We also PRAISE our earthly fathers, grandfathers, uncles and father figures for modeling YOUR love to us, giving us a start, holding us close to their hearts like You do Lord. Thank you Lord for their love and care, and faithfulness. Keep the fathers and father-figures of today strong for their own children and for themselves. We love them. We love You, Lord.

Amen