Update 4/25/10 23 weeks since crash

Dear friends,

There is an initiative at Albany Med to promote hand washing. The sign over our sink says to “lather hands and rinse under warm water for 20 seconds.” Try it. It’s going to feel like a long time. While I washed my hands this afternoon, I concentrated on the frosty-fresh smell of the soap, the comfort of the warm water, and the pleasure of 20 seconds of rest in the midst of the hustle bustle. It was experiencing life instead of racing through it. (As an aside, 23 weeks ago I hid in this very bathroom, running the water and sobbing, hoping no one could hear me). I remember reading something that said “there are things we pass by every day, which, if they were missing, we would pay millions to have them back. But in the main, they mostly go unnoticed.” I believe I’ve missed far too many of heaven’s kisses because I’ve been captivated by my own agenda, or snared in the world’s pace. Washing my hands was another one of those everyday symbols the Great One made use of to show me an invisible truth. Slow it up, take it in, be grateful. Did you ever think soap and water could be so significant?

Here’s a thought provoking quote from the book I’m currently reading, “The Hobbit”:

Gandalf:
“I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it’s very difficult to find anyone.”

Bilbo:
“I should think so – in these parts! We are plain and quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty, disturbing, uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner. I can’t think what anybody sees in them…”

I kind of think this could be a conversation between me and the Great One. In my more imaginative moments I fantasize about being a brave soul, willing to answer any call of the King. But when the proverbial push comes to the actual shove, I’m really just like Bilbo Baggins, needing a good, solid thrust out of my comfort zone. Difficult circumstances are the push. They bring a new perspective. They bring light to see the afflictions of the souls around us who inhabit our days, and who we otherwise might overlook. Troubles can be our best (gulp) friends. So, 23 weeks out from disaster, I’ve taken some tentative steps on the adventure road. And I’ve learned that the One I trust is completely worthy of it. So, if he wants me to share in the adventure, I’m willing to go. Even if it’s just stopping to talk with the kid at Starbucks. Or calling my elderly aunt (this week, if I can find Sharon or Pam’s phone number)! Or picking up the slack for a coworker without needing credit. God is in charge of the adventure. He may ask you to do something big and dangerous. But most of our stretches on the pilgrim road are about doing “small things with great love”.

Bilbo goes, by the way, and though I haven’t finished the story yet, I can already see him toughening up and becoming the “man for the job” (or should I say “hobbit” for the job) that Gandalf believed he was all along. Walk with the Great One, and he’ll make you the “hobbit” for your adventure. It might not look like a meaningful narrative at the time, but history reveals all sorts of examples of folks who were in the middle of one without realizing it. I’m praying you’ll have great courage and great focus. Courage to do what He says, focus to know what it is. And to enjoy the feeling of soap and warm water and the like along the way…

Your friend on the pilgrim road,

Loriann