A Day Doesn't Go By Without a Surprise
If you are anything like me - the news, the weather, or just about anything these days brings me an element of surprise. When did it get to be fall? Why are we still in the first round of COVID-19? Why didn't I have a garden this year and preserve a million jars of homemade salsa to show off on my Instagram?
On the more serious side - my news feed surprises me every five minutes with breaking news. I am living on the verge of my seat anticipating surprises now. I shouldn't even call them surprises- they are pretty much expected. But, I do love surprises - the real and beautiful kind. The ones that touch my heart and make me tear up a bit. I have had lots of those too. Mine have been of the hospitality sort this week.
A disclosure. While getting coffee this week with a friend we ran into another friend from church. She works in the school district and when asked how things were with the start up of school she teared up and shared everything - her worry, stress, fear, frustration and anxiety. She also said the family dinner was in her bag and she needed to run home and cook. We were left with a lot of feelings, one of them being surprise - she rarely says a negative word or vents. That's when I knew it was serious.
I thought about this all week long. This woman was the face of all teachers this year for me and I wondered how I could do something to alleviate this stress or worry or fear. I added this incredible profession to my prayer list and then brainstormed with my coffee partner. We now have a plan that is underway as we speak. It took a little surprise encounter to zap me into motion. I can do something for others right now and by inviting my parish community to help, we can impact a few hundred school staff and their families. Caring, loving, getting beyond ourselves to make a difference. Surprise! The pandemic can't get us down!
A compliment. I know that these days we are busy: managing, maintaining, and trying to stay safe, healthy and in survival mode. It's to be expected. But sometimes there is something beautiful that sneaks through the constant clamor of our minds and we witness something lovely. We hear a truth or something beautiful and we are pulled out of the moment as a witness to the surprise. I had to look for a birthday gift this week and was standing in a checkout line when I heard a cashier say to an elderly woman,
"This scarf you have is one of my favorites - it's going to look so beautiful on you - with your pretty eyes and gorgeous hair - you'll be stunning."
In a minute the transaction was over, but I had tears in my eyes. It's a rare thing to witness these moments. I can only say that the woman thanked the young cashier, had a smile that could have lit up a midnight sky, and stood a little taller as she walked away. It was so lovely. I am reminded that it's these little things that make us human, make us loving and loveable. You and I know that it is exactly what Jesus did for all those he encountered. He noticed them. He spoke with them. He called them by name. He offered hospitality in those moments and it changed people - for good.
Let's you and I commit to noticing others this week; thank someone, offer a kindness or genuine compliment. It will surprise and delight - and be savored long after.
Blessings,
Jane
