God Must Laugh

See that big aisle down the middle? You get in trouble if you walk there. They cut off your thumbs or something. Original Work "Michigan Capitol" by CedarBendDrive

Last week, Senator Patty Birkholz invited me to offer the invocation for the State Senate of Michigan.  Here’s what I said. Think you could do better?

Creator God,

We stand united at the start of a new day to give you thanks and ask your guidance. In this moment there is no distinction between Democrat, Republican, or Independent. There is only us, and you. So together we ask for sharp ears, to hear the voices of those we serve, not just the ones who got us elected. Open our lips to speak for those who have no voice. Give us clear eyes to see the solutions hiding behind our current problems. Guide our feet toward common ground and strengthen our hands for the work of reaching it. Embolden our hearts to choose what is right over what is popular, what is good over what is easy, and what is true over what is expedient. We place our whole selves in your care, heart and mind, body and spirit, that as we start our work we might remember who we serve. We ask this in your mighty name, and I ask it in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen

Highlights:

• When the Lieutenant Governor scolded the senate for making too much noise. The first time, it didn’t stick. So he waits a few minutes, until they’re talking so loud I literally cannot hear the guy trying to introduce the next piece of legislation. Then he slams his gavel on the desk, scolds them like a bunch of rowdy kids, and threatens to have all their staffers removed so that they won’t have anyone to talk to. That one stuck. Suddenly, the entire senate is bending over and whispering, passing notes. It felt like 7th grade!
• When a Senator spoke in support of a bill that would require that stimulus jobs be awarded to local companies. “If you’re going to spend money like a drunken sailor, at least spend it on Michigan workers.”

Surprises

• They actually have a lobby full of lobbyists! There’s a checkpoint beyond which they cannot pass, so they just kind of mill around in the lobby sending in notes and grabbing people by the arm as they walk by. I think we should move the checkpoint to the front door, then we could call them front-porchists, or maybe yardistas.
• The Senators seem to live in perpetual fear of the press. Maybe that’s too strong. Perpetual awareness. The press get a box in the chamber itself, so any gaffe is fodder for the front page. It’s 2am, budget crunch time, and you’re in severe sleep dep mode? Don’t you dare nod off, or tomorrow’s coverage will all be about the Senator who sleeps while Michigan burns. I suppose that’s better than kicking them out in the lobby too, but it must be wearing on the psyche after awhile. I sure wouldn’t want to live that way.

Thanks to Senator Birkholz for inviting me, and for being such a gracious host. It was obvious that she was very busy, but she never let that show in relation to me. She explained the arcane mysteries of Senate protocol, introduced me to everyone as “my pastor, Rob Brink, from the Congregational Church in Saugatuck”, and kept me in the loop on the progress of the work on the floor. She even let me tag along on a lunch meeting with the Michigan State University Agricultural Extension program. (Free food, new contacts, and I learned stuff. Win win win!)

Favorite moment? When she showed me the “big board” that listed every Senator’s name. I watched as it updated in real time, changing the color of each name and showing the totals at the top. “Green is for. Red is against. Everyone votes,” she said. Then she punched a button with her thumb, and as she watched “BIRKHOLZ”turn green, a little smile touched the corner of her lips. “I like the discipline of it. You have to take a stand.”

Update: The Holland Sentinel picked up the story too!