Along time ago, back when I was still studying, I worked as a waiter to make ends meet. For the most part, it was a means to an end, but sometimes, something happens which remains in my memory to this day, decades later.
A customer gave me a very generous tip and on top of it, he gave me a $20 bill and told me to keep it in my wallet. With full sincerity, he explained that if I kept it there, it would bring me financial good fortune.
I was genuinely touched and kept it in my wallet for quite a long time. Not because I shared his faith (seriously, what a bizarre belief) but because every-time I looked at it, I was reminded of a stranger's generosity and good will.
I think it is easy for me and people with my worldview to be dismissive of faith-based expressions of good will. In times like this, there will be a lot of talk of "thoughts and prayers" and I want to remind everyone, most especially myself that this isn't useless.
One of the greatest horrors of human existence is our utter powerlessness. We are grains of sand fighting against a tidal wave of actions. It is no wonder that we have gestures that communicate that we care about each other despite how futile our individual actions are. Anytime we stop and think positively about someone else, it isn't a loss and it certainly doesn't mean that it is done in lieu of more meaningful actions.
So thanks for your thoughts and your prayers and for letting us know when they are directed at someone else.
Nonetheless, "I named my two cats "thoughts" and "prayers" because they are useless" remains the funniest joke of the past decade. If I ever pray again, I'm going to thank God for inspiring the person who wrote it.