PROM NIGHT

There are several things I want to share about my visit here in Pittsburgh, so I will write a few short items beginning with a more "light-hearted" topic.

Last night, for many people in Pittsburgh there was only one thing to think and talk about. The Penguins were getting ready to meet the Ottawa Senators in the fifth game in the NHL Stanley Cup series.

Everywhere we went all day, from morning to night, there were "Penguins" all over the place-- that is, people dressed in Penguins game shirts who were psyched up for the evening's Big Event. There were so many people dressed that way that it made me feel rather conspicuous walking around with a simple clergy shirt, but at least it wasn't a Rangers shirt.

All this being the case, you can understand why I was so shocked when my host, Pastor John, brought me up to Mount Washington, a location overlooking the entire city of Pittsburgh. In several places along the road there are scenic overlooks conveniently available for anyone to visit to enjoy the view, and as we approached each one we saw large limos parked alongside the road.

They were there, I soon discovered, because it was also Prom Night for local high school students. They were dressed up in their fine array and taking pictures before darkness fell over the city. There were no Penguin outfits here. Tuxes and ball gowns were the appropriate apparel for these folks, and although there was a pretty stiff breeze blowing through the valley and over Mount Washington, they seemed to be in a world of their own.

I must admit that I didn't really know what to think about these folks. I never went to a Prom when I was in high school. I was one of those who grew up thinking that there was something decadent about activities like dancing. I never had the chance to feel the excitement of getting ready for that "Special Night."

But then again, I've only been to one NHL hockey game in all my life-- and that wasn't part of the lead up to the Stanley Cup. I'm sure I was excited that night, but I can't even remember whether the Islanders won or lost.

But I'll remember this night on Mount Washington and the view of that city which was once such a jewel for so many in a much more prosperous time. I'll remember the passion that the "Penguin people" displayed-- as evident by their different forms of dress. I'll also remember the enchantment that brightened the faces of the beautiful teens who came up the hill to take photographs. But most of all, from my perspective, I will remember that magnificent view.

It struck me that this was a sort of parable about how different people can experience life differently by focusing on different things. For some the highlight of the day was seeing the Penguins decisively defeat the Senators, and still, for others it was "Prom Night." For us it was the ability to look out and see the beautiful city before us. Which group was right? Perhaps they all were.

Enjoy the game, enjoy the dance, but don't forget to enjoy the view.