HELLO!

Sunday afternoon was a time to refresh, relax, restore, for everyone except Bethe. As per usual she had gathered the last remaining volunteers after clean-up from the dinner theatre and church to go for lunch. Before you wonder “why wasn’t I invited”, it was a spur of the moment decision. This reminds me of the words I spoke on Sunday about “fairness”. I am a strong advocate for equality, dignity and respect. But, sometimes our fear of someone saying “what about me” prevents us from addressing an immediate concern for someone in need. In Acts 2 we learned the followers of Jesus shared their belongings and offered same to “any as they had need”. Time and again, in the church, I have seen those who did not need attention, affirmation, a gift, complain “that is not fair” when someone who desperately needed our focus was cared for.

Bethe reminds me of myself before I turned 40 (after my brief encounter with depression I became a happy loner). Then, I was the kind of extrovert who had FOMO, fear of missing out. I would go anywhere, anytime there was a gathering. Bethe is the kind of person everyone wants to be with, she makes every space more welcoming, compassionate and fun. And she has boundless energy to make it so. God bless her! I too have a lot of energy, but I no longer have a need to be with others. I love to meet people, particularly strangers, I love to make a difference, though I have no need to be needed. I love to learn from others, have fun with others, make a difference with others. Once those three things have expired, I typically make my exit. And unlike Bethe, I am not keen on unexpected visitors. But I do like strangers arriving at the door.

On Sunday afternoon my hermit wife Kim called out, “young people are coming to the door”. One youth, two older children, appeared, collecting for their dance club. Kim went to get the “bottles and cans” (clap your hands – Beck) and I spoke to the visitors. I could see the mother hovering in the background, the father in a large truck waiting too (suburban life). I waved. The young woman seemed to be enjoying herself, the two children, boy and girl, “not so much”. I remembered an anonymous gift after the play, a chocolate bunny in gold wrapping, on our table. I excused myself and brought the offering to the children. Their eyes lit up like Christmas trees. Later, I wondered if the parents would let the children eat the candy, given to them by a stranger. But I don’t regret the offer. As soon as the children left, Kim reminded me how I had greeted them, “HELLO!”, except with a voice raspy from over-use (three performances with no mic, an outdoor funeral Saturday, church on Sunday). She was surprised they didn’t turn around and run. Whenever I meet someone, I try to make the encounter memorable, for me, for them. Call that what you will, it works for me, and even those who tire of my personality would concede it is authentic, and what I say, I also do.

Please encourage my colleague to take some time to rest. Bethe cannot help herself. Her kindness and work ethic know no bounds. Peace, Kevin

PS A church member sent me this photo of my favorite bird. Woodpeckers are the kind of bird you hear before you see them. Remind you of anyone?