Hide and Seek

Sometimes saying Hello is like taking a deep breath and going underwater.  It requires confidence and getting comfortable with yourself.  Recently our family attended our church picnic.  I kept finding my oldest daughter off in a corner of the park almost under a huge pine tree.  Looking around the park I saw a large group of girls were having fun sitting at a big table together.  Oh in that moment how I wanted to take over so one of my precious kiddos wouldn't feel so awkward.   Instead, I went over and gave her a big squeeze.  She smiled at me as I walked away.  Usually it was my oldest son who stands sheepishly away from the group.  I looked to the other side of the park and he was squealing with glee playing with his brother and a group of kids.  I smiled and walked on.  During lunch I sat perched at a picnic table looking out for my brood.  Every so often I would do a count to check where they were.  As I looked to my right a pleasant surprise awaited.  After about 45 minutes of being solo my oldest decided to step out and say hi to an old classmate whom she hadn't seen in a while.  One Hi was all that was needed to spark possibilty.  On my second round to the BBQ she was running, laughing, and playing with everyone.  I exhaled and took a big bite of baked beans.  Happy Monday all, a fresh start to a new week.  Have a wonderful day!

Assembly Required

In order to be more than skin we have to look for more, be more, and try more.  According to worlometers.com there are 7.3 billion people on the planet and counting.  It should be automatic to be fascinated by the sheer number alone.  All those people, breathing, thinking, and moving in some way.  All of them are different and unique.  What would it look like if 7.3 billion people were exactly the same?  It would be rather static don’t you think?  7.3 billion people with the same skin tone, eye and hair color, same height, same thoughts, etc.  How exciting is that?  When I think of being fearfully and wonderfully made, I think of excitement!   I think of being in awe of my neighbor and how he or she was created differently than I am.  I think of great conversations, great food, and different experiences.  I realize it is not a perfect world, but if we put forth more effort the possibilities are infinite.

Recently on a shopping trip to a major department store I had a peculiar experience.  After completing our purchase my kiddos and I headed for the exit.  It had been an exhausting day to say the least.   Ever went shopping for school clothes solo with four children?   It is no easy feat.  My oldest was shopping with her grandma.  Upon going through the exit the alarm went off.  The sale person came over and said he needed to check our bag.  I was like great, but what can you do.  As I turned to follow him another man walked by and said, “That’s what they all do.”  I abruptly stopped and asked him if he was referring to me.  I then told him I was no thief and called him a few choice words.  Yeah, I know that part wasn’t good, but it’ll be all right.    In those moments in front of my children, my mind was reeling.  I was livid.  I could no longer shield them from ignorance.  I remember exiting and a man carrying a baby came up to me and said not to listen to that man because he was jerk.  He seemed just as irritated as I was. The front of the store was quiet.  I think people were thinking.  Maybe some dismissed what they had witnessed.  Outside the store a woman came up to us and said she was sorry for the ignorance we experienced and that all white people were not the same. 

For about two hours after that occurrence I wanted to stay mad and irritated.  The more I tried to stay in that place, the more I could not.  My mind automatically recalled all the beautiful people in my life.  Wonderful people I am blessed to know.  People from all over the world, each one different and uniquely made.  The hellos I experienced in that store stepped out to be more.  We have to go beyond to be more than the shell we are encased in.  We must assemble in our uniqueness and be willing to receive others even if a risk is involved.  Have a wonderful day!