Ten Things I Love that Begin with the Letter “M,” care of Songbird.

1. Music.
There is little that brings me the joy that music brings. It can be fun, it can be spiritual, it can be sexy, it can be intricate, it can be simple, it can be all about melody, it can be all about beat, it can be all about words. It is a way to “say” things that simply can’t be spoken.

2. Mom.
She can be exasperating, she can be homophobic, she can be secretive…but she is the greatest human manifestation of unconditional love that I have ever known.

3. Micah.
He is called one of the “minor” prophets. But in one sentence, he set out the words that would define my understanding of life, discipleship, and an enacted faith: “to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.”

4. Microwave.
I love to cook. I hate to cook for one. When I don’t cook, I am basically addicted to the entrees from Trader Joes, most of which can be cooked in the microwave. It is a magic box as far as I am concerned.

5. Michelangelo.
One of the greatest geniuses in human history, I have had the great privilege of seeing many of his works in person, including the David.

6. Mary.
Who’d of thought that a pregnant teenager in a dirt water town who was a disgrace to her family would respond to the call of God and be mother to Immanuel.

7. Matus Valent, the hottest model in America. Nice job, God.

8. Mexican food.
I love the spices; I love the staples of the genre; I love cheese enchiladas; I love tacos al carbon; I love burritos; I love guacamole…and queso…and chips.

9. Medical discoveries.
I marvel at the great gift that God has given us in the minds and imaginations of those who are creating drugs and procedures that are saving millions of lives every year. At times I might wish that we would have the wisdom to better use this great gift, but that doesn’t diminish the fact that my parents are both alive because of modern medical technology.

10. Musicals.
I know it’s sort of redundant with number 1, but it really is different. Think about it: Oklahoma, South Pacific, On the Town, Les Miserables, Rent, Kiss Me Kate, and the dozens more, many unknown by most, that I’ve been moved by over the years…the knowledge of which is a source of bonding with many of my chorus buddies….so they are a double blessing. 