wisdom

A few weeks ago I spent the afternoon with my mom. We went to White Rock and I took a few pictures. This was one of them. The pier at White Rock is quite long and leads to a beautiful view. My mom and I walked along the pier and talked. We always have good conversations. Being 72 she has acquired a lot of wisdom, but I'm pretty sure she also has the gift of wisdom as far as spiritual gifts go. When I was in a situation and I just didn't know what to do she said, "I guess you shouldn't do anything yet then." When I found myself worried about the same thing over and over she said, "what would happen if you loved Jesus first instead?" When I was doubting whether or not things would work out in the best way possible she said, "I've doubted God in this too but the other day I found a note that said 'from someone who loves you' and I felt like it was God reminding me He loves me. I think he's trying to remind you too. And that's what matters isn't it?" She's right. That is what matters.

This morning, Passover morning, our pastor reminded us that this coming week is the most important week in the Christian calendar. It is the week when Jesus walked that long road to the cross. He went from popularity to persecution. From freedom to the weight of sin. From earth to heaven. We went from brokenness to wholeness. From torture to peace. From time to eternity.

When I think about this week in light of my circumstances I am humbled by how easily I get swayed from this truth. How easily my thoughts are consumed by things that don't matter in the end. Jesus loves me. He loves you. "For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16.

glasses

I've decided if I want to become a serious writer I need to get some glasses. While attending a writing workshop yesterday I was intrigued by the women in the room who were wearing glasses. They would have their glasses on while writing. Then during discussion they would remove them and hold them in their hand. Gesticulating was more profound because of those glasses. And somehow whatever they were saying seemed that much smarter. Knowing myself as I do, I think glasses are the answer I'm looking for.

last night

Last night I was walking home from a friend's along 12th Ave. As I got near the corner of Spruce and 12th I saw a dog sitting on the grass and I said out loud to myself, "That dog looks a little odd." In an instant the dog lunged at me in a full on rage, barking and snarling with his teeth bared. My heart was in my throat and adrenalin surged through my veins. "NO! Don't bite me" as I kicked my leg out at him. Fortunately, the dog's teeth did not meet my flesh and he skulked into the bushes. I crossed the street and proceeded home. Even now this makes my heart race a little.

stay to the right

Stay to the right. It's a phrase that could keep us all from some potentially dangerous and/or embarrassing situations. For example, when the ambulance is flying down the road with it's lights on and sirens blaring...stay to the right. When you are on the highway and you aren't passing someone...stay to the right. When you're going in for that first kiss...stay to the right. Finally, when you are at the grocery store, like I was today, and someone is approaching you with a fully loaded cart...stay to the right. It would just make everything so much easier.

a hug

On Friday night I spent the evening with a few other folks handing out food and socks and clothing to homeless people on the streets and in the alley's of Vancouver. One pair offered us a laptop. Another man offered his life story. Another man we found binning had piercingly beautiful eyes. I think if he shaved off his beard he would be one of those men you look at twice. As the evening came to an end we approached a couple of guys who both had overflowing carts likely containing all of their worldly possessions. I asked one of them if he wanted a pair of socks which he took. He then looked at me and said, "Can I have a hug?" To which I responded, "no". He said, "aw come on" and something inside of me broke. "Okay". So I hugged him. Rather, he hugged me. Surprisingly he smelled like cologne. The polite amount of time past and I released my arms to back away and he kept hugging. At first a little bit of panic went through me and I said, "you can let go now." He said, "uh huh". But he didn't let go. One of the other girls I was with said, "hey! let her go." Reluctantly he released me. "thanks." "you're welcome." I wonder how often he gets hugged? How often does he even have someone touch him in a positive way?

My heart is a little sad that my first response was "no". I'm sad that I have been conditioned by society and my humanity to resist that from someone like him. A homeless person who has chosen out of circumstance or necessity to live outside the realm of normalcy. At least what most would consider normal. He is a person who is of equal value to me and you. He has the same blood and organs as anyone else. He likely desires many of the same things you and I desire. To be loved and cared for. He has a soul and a spirit. He is valuable simply because he is. Had I chosen not to hug him I would have reinforced to him that he is undesirable and unworthy when in fact the opposite is true. Sadly, I hesitated. Gladly, he was hugged. I hope I embrace the next opportunity with a resounding yes. Yes! I will hug you or feed you or clothe you or visit you because you are and that is enough.

pray

In the movie Shadowlands, which is about C.S. Lewis' twilight romance with Joy Gresham, he says something profound about prayer. He says, "I pray because I have to. I pray because I have no other choice. Prayer doesn't change God, it changes me." This statement resonated with my soul because it's so true. Praying brings us into alignment with the Almighty. It calms our souls and directs our paths. It helps us to understand what is happening presently and to give us hope for the future. It's what Philippians says, "the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

cupcake

Today, two of my coworkers and I got into the patient transport elevator after making a trip to Starbuck's. All three of us had steaming cups of coffee that filled the elevator with a fantastic aroma. One of my coworkers had also purchased a cupcake. There was a patient on a stretcher who looked up at me with some longing. I said, "I'm sorry we're on the elevator with this wonderful smelling stuff." He said, "It does smell good but I'd want donuts with my coffee." "Well, all we've got is a cupcake." "Honey, you're the only cupcake on this elevator." Big grin and a wink from the stretcher. Big grin and a thank you from me.