Here I am, a statistical improbability, conceived in a universe of infinite galaxies, in a Milky Way of 100 billion stars, in a solar system on the edge of nowhere, living on the third planet from a small sun, which is mostly covered by salt water, and encased in an envelope of mixed gases, dependent on the rhythms of ice and warmth, drifting seeds and fresh rains, a recent arrival in evolutionary scheme of things, a biped in tennis shoes, a mammal with opposing thumbs. It is without exaggeration an incredible, unbelievable, miraculous event. But in a technological age, distracted by busyness, consumption and gadgets, we have missed the sheer wonder of it. In Pogo, Churchy LaFemme is whining about the brevity of life. Porky says: Aw shudup, you’re lucky to be here in the first place.

Phil Sweet is a long-time friend of UUFDC, and a marvelous and insightful story-teller. He served as minister of Hope Church in Sturgeon Bay and two rural churches in western Minnesota.

Music: Ellen Shahbazi
Service Leader: Carrie Link