There are people, often strangers, that stand out. When I was in my early twenties, I worked as a secretary during the day and a waitress at night. I had a pair of black flats that I wore to both jobs. I took them to an old world, Italian cobbler near my day job. I had worn holes in the soles and they hurt my feet. When I went to pick up the shoes, they looked like new! They were re-soled, seamlessly patched and shined. The cobbler would not accept payment from me. At the time, I was embarrassed but in hindsight I see what he saw: A girl working two jobs with very little money. The shoes were a gift, and a fine one. I have thought about him over the years and I have tried to be more like him.
I struggled financially in my twenties. There were times that I was hungry. Two friends from college repeatedly cooked for me. They taught me the simplicity and strength of hospitality. They made me a better person and I am forever change by their love.
Once, long ago, I arrived in Taiwan late at night. As soon as I left the terminal I was surrounded by lots of taxi drivers; it was overwhelming. A Chinese woman walked up and yelled at them. She insisted, in English, on sharing a cab with me to my hotel and then continuing to her destination. Her kindness was not required but so appreciated. She taught me that kindness is never wasted.
My collage is not solely gentle, touching moments. The tough times and difficult people have taught me even more than the seamless times and gentle folks. Fresh out of college with a fancy degree and lots of debt, I worked as a waitress. I learned all about hard work and how human beings treat each other, good and bad. I remember vulgar, belittling language, long hours and people walking out without paying. When people walked out, it came out of my check. These experiences reminded me that none of us is above the other and that honest work is just that, honest. To this day, unless the service is non-existent, I tip 20%. Restaurant work is grueling work.
A collage is a balance of color, shape and theme. I used to look back on confrontations and mistakes with shame. Now I see these diverse elements as the texture of a whole life. In Corinthians 2:8 Christ says "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." If I could rely solely on my own powers, would I ever lift my gaze heavenward? I can't say. I do know that I have learned from both kindness and difficulty. I am not privy to the whole picture. However, if I take the time to consider the pieces of my life and align myself with His will, God will fashion a more breathtaking picture than I could ever imagine. As Paul notes in Corinthians 5:7 "We walk by faith, not by sight." May you have a meaningful, well lit walk.
No comments:
Post a Comment