Since the time my 6 year-old nephew could talk and say the word “buzz”, he has been fascinated with superheroes. Buzz Lightyear was the first, followed by Batman, Spiderman, The Incredible Hulk, Batman again, Superman, and the one he made up called “Love Man” (which is my particular favorite.) Love man had his own costume that included a cape and apparently he could fly and was really nice and loved everyone.
One day as Love Man was flying back from a trip to the bathroom at my house had forgotten to zip his pants up. His dad, trying to teach his son the social graces casually in his most parental voice said, “I think Love Man should remember to keep his zipper up.” All the adults in the room burst out laughing much to the embarrassment of my straight-laced accountant brother-in-law and confusion of my nephew.
I asked Joseph this week if he could have any super powers in the world what they would be. Without hesitation, he said “cool ones”. I was looking for something a little more specific but he didn’t have time to elaborate because he immediately began flying around the room. He did one really big jump and insisted that he flew the whole length of the couch cushion. I decided that Joseph and I have a lot more in common than I thought. I realized, for instance, if I could have any super powers–it would be “cool ones” and the top of my list would be flying.
One of the earliest dreams I can remember was about flying. Soaring over the neighborhood and all it took was a running start. I still dream about flying. I never need any equipment–I just happen to be able to fly. Sometimes I simply raise up into the air, sometimes it takes a leap and then it’s mostly like swimming only not in water, and sometimes it’s more like little floating leaps like when you see the men walking on the moon.
When I was about 4 or 5 years old I dreamed of another super power. Well, it really wasn’t a super-hero but it was a super power none-the-less. I wanted to be a genie like Barbara Eden in I Dream of Jeanie. I had learned in primary that if I wanted something I should pray for it. We had family prayer and I said my prayers at night but I had never really prayed for something I really wanted. But THIS I really wanted. I felt nervous like Joseph going into a grove of trees trying to be full of faith. I went to the only secluded place I could think of–the bathroom. I closed the door and sat on the closed toilet seat. I folded my arms and closed my eyes and said in the most sincere voice, “Heavenly Father, please make me a genie.” Afterward, I opened my eyes, refolded my arms “Jeanie style”, blinked my eyes and nodded my head. Nothing happened–absolutely nothing. I must not have prayed hard enough. So I closed my eyes even tighter, folded my arms harder and prayed again asking Heavenly Father to make me a genie. Again I folded my arms stiffly “Jeanie style” and blinked and nodded my head. Nothing happened. I was not a Jeanie. My first praying outloud experience was a bust. I guess you can’t pray for super-powers.
