– – – – from “Thank Goodness!” – Daniel C. Dennett, reflecting on events following [heart problems])
What do I say to those of my religious friends (and I have quite a few religious friends) who have had the … honesty to tell me that they have been praying for me?
I have gladly forgiven them, for there are few circumstances more frustrating than not being able to help a loved one in any more direct way. I confess to regretting that I could not pray (sincerely) for my friends and family in time of need, so I appreciate the urge, however clearly I recognize its futility.
I translate my friends’ remarks readily enough into one version or another of what my fellow brights have been telling me: “I’ve been thinking about you, and wishing with all my heart [another ineffective but irrestistible self-indulgence] that you come through this OK.”
The fact that these dear friends have been thinking of me…, and have taken an effort to let me know, is in itself, without any need for supernatural supplement, a wonderful tonic. …and i am grateful. But I am not joking when I say I have to forgive my friends who said they are praying for me. I have resisted the temptation to respond “thanks, I appreciate it, but did you also sacrifice a goat?”
I do appreciate the affection and generosity of spirit that motivated you, but wish you had found a more reasonable way of expressing it.