Causerie

Faith

 

I was stunned when I found out that my neighbor is an atheist.  She's beautiful, funny, intelligent, educated, well read and all of those other things that make her a remarkable young woman, yet she doesn't believe in God.

A little while back, her father was fighting cancer.  She shared what he had endured and I told her that all I could do was to pray for him.  She smiled kindly, furrowed her brow a little and said she didn't believe in God. I looked over at her little girl --- so perfect and healthy --- and remembered the infertility struggles my neighbor had suffered.  I don't know about you but I believe that the intrinsic mystery of the creation of life screams, "Yes, neighbor-friend, there is a God."

As I went about my day my neighbor's admission felt like gum stuck to the bottom of my shoe.  It didn't feel right.  I didn't feel right.   I tried to imagine what she saw whenever she watched a sunset or what did she hear as she listened to the sound of rain. How could she not  believe in the Creator God?   You see,  I would like for everyone to know the God that I know, to believe the same way I do but, the more I thought about it the more I realized that it actually takes more faith for me to believe what I believe than it does for her to not believe at all.

I believe in a Power/Force ---  not human, not mineral, not animal --- that exists "out there" somewhere far away but, not far at all.   He is able to see and hear each person in the universe and He knows, intimately, more about  us than we can imagine.  I believe that He took the form of a human, was born to a young virgin girl in the humblest of dwellings and that this child grew up to become the greatest man who ever walked  the Earth. And that through this perfect child I am able to live a life of purpose, promise and peace.   Sounds insane doesn't it? 

Perhaps, as insane as the millions of people who all are of like mind on this one single day in December to celebrate/observe/recognize the miracle birth of this Holy child.

Merry Christmas, friends.

Seconds

Her voice was loud.  "HILARY ROSE!" she yelled, "HILARY ROSE!"

I turned the corner and came face to face with a young woman,  maybe 20 or 21 years old.  She didn't see me as she passed by quickly. I looked at her expression and everything within me stiffened.  I knew that look.  That guttural sound forcing its way from the back of her throat was a familiar one.  Her heightened sense of every sound and visual was obvious and my own heart began to beat faster.

Immediately, with a new purpose, I began to methodically take in my surroundings.  Across the metallic racks of clothes I looked into the face of another woman --- a mother --- and without speaking we both began to search quietly and quickly for the lost child.  Seconds later, over the intercom, was confirmation of what we already knew. "Attention employees, we have a Code Adam.  A little girl, age two, with blond hair wearing a pink shirt and black pants is missing."  I almost because nauseous. Most of you know that the "Code Adam" is named for the little boy Adam Walsh who was abducted from a shopping center in the 80's.  They found his body but never his killer. 

With four children of my own ---  one who was prone to run and hide beneath clothing racks  --- I knew the fear, panic, anger and frustration this young woman was going through.  I won't condemn this child's mother and say she was negligent because I don't the know the circumstances, but I will say that based on my past experiences it takes only seconds of your distraction for your child to disappear.

I became a firm believer in strapping down my child in the stroller.  The child harness became my best friend (and I honestly didn't care what people said or thought).  Once when I couldn't find the harness, I took our dog leash and attached it to Bugga Bear's belt loop.  For one child I administered a right-there-on-the-spot spanking when he ran off and didn't come back when called. That took care of that.  Due diligence or hire a babysitter, lessons I learned.

Before I left the store I asked a clerk if the girl had been found.

"Yes," she said with relief in her eyes.

Breaking Bread

I had just sat down at the table when I heard, "Are you eating alone?"   I looked up to see a man I didn't know. Holding his tray, he appeared fatherly with his nice hat and old-school gentlemanly ways.  I told him that yes I was eating alone and he asked if he could join me.  I agreed.  It was McDonalds after all and very well-lit.

He introduced himself as Jim.  I told him my name and explained I had just finished a shift at my part-time/flexible schedule holiday job.  He, too, was on his way home from work but had stopped in for a quick bite as well.  His two Schnauzers would have to wait a little longer for their meal but fortunately, he said, they were forgiving.

Jim was intelligent, soft spoken and kind.  He knew about wine and we talked about that.  He suggested a Shiraz I would enjoy.  Our conversation was easy and light unlike our meal of burgers, fries and a chicken sandwich.  At one point he took a call from his wife and after a few minutes said, "Honey, I stopped by McDonalds and right now I'm having dinner with a new friend. I don't want to be rude so may I call you back?"  I was impressed.

We finished our meal, shook hands and exchanged a smile.  I invited him to stop over here at Causerie. He said that if he did, it would be the first blog he has ever read.

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."  Hebrews 13:2

Warmth and Light

The Festival of Lights.  The Feast of Dedication.  We remember the blessings.  We remember the miracles.  We remember salvation and our deliverance.  Our hearts are grateful for many things and tonight we are warm and safe and loved with an everlasting love.

Hanukkah Blessings.

On the 4th Day of Working

I was called in to work just about the same time I was complaining to you that I had not been put on the schedule.  What's that called?  Coincidence?  A Zen-thing?  A Hallelujah blessing?  You know I'm singing praises to the Lord.

It's been like the old days for me --- back when I worked in three different retail stores and juggled junior college at the same time.  The difference now is that I'm heavier on my feet, need reading glasses and it takes me a little more time to understand foreign accents.

The good news is  that I've had many customer compliments.  I learned today that one customer went as far as to go to the head manager to put a good word in for me. That was very nice.  You know, it's plain old fashioned customer service --- something that seems to be a lost art nowadays.  It's about eye-to-eye contact and honesty.  If that woman does not look good in that dress, you know I'm going to tell her.  If that man picks out an ugly handbag to give to his wife I'm going to ask him to describe the purse she most often carries and find something comparable. What I know for sure (as Oprah says) that in the retail world, it's the little things that can make a difference. 

Meanwhile, back at home my laundry is piling up.  I have one clean pair of underwear.  The kids have not had a home-cooked meal all week.  I have not wrapped one gift and we've missed the first two nights of Hanukkah.  And I imagine that just about the time I find the perfect balance, my little seasonal/temporary employment will be over.

Oh well. Such is life.

Pink, Green and Brown

They began like this.

Pink pine cones.

 

Who knew? 

Taken at the Kauffman Memorial Gardens