John's talk in church was about superpowers. He had compiled a kind of comic book about attributes like invisibility, flexibility, super strength, and my personal favorite, flying. It included pictures of the Incredibles, and Superman, as well as drawings of angels. Each was matched with stories where angels were able to overcome evil through these gifts.

He invited a young girl to come up, and graced her with a rainbow cape. John lifted her in his arms, transporting her across the floor. Her smile was as bright at the silk she wore. The congregation was given a chance to talk about what powers we would choose, and everyone hushed at the answer by a small red headed girl. 

"I want to be able to heal people." 

Frankly I believe extraordinary powers are all around us. Last week I went to a show where one voice was enough to soften the hearts of four hundred listeners. There are photographers whose images open my eyes to things I could not otherwise find. A newborn baby can change the mood of a room full of adults without blinking her eyelashes, or lifting one curved finger.

Relationships require superhuman efforts. Some days I am simply not up to the task. Like today. Ben and I tussled before he went out the door, and John and I sparred about the tussling. The weight of continuing to parent someone who will never walk the nest, much less fly, is like wearing lead boots. 

But maybe that red headed girl will have honed her skills by the time I need her, and Ben and I can come for healing.