She was flawless in her outward appearance. Clothes, hair, make-up, nails, body... complete perfection. We found ourselves in the same place at the same time, making small-talk over a glass of wine. She told me how she spends her days; working out at a gym, going to the spa, maintaining her appearance. She asked me what I did, how I spent my days; this has happened to me before, in situations identical to this. Those who don't sew, or quilt, or don't know another soul who does, usually stare back at me blankly before politely running off in search of another to engage in more meaningful (to them) small-talk. That didn't happen this time. Instead, she stared at me wide-eyed and stunned, frozen to the spot where she stood."You DO that?" she asked, incredulously.
"What?"
"Sew?"
"Oh, yes; I sit at my sewing machine for as long, and as often, as I'm able..." I smiled.
She continued to stare in disbelief, her mouth was open in awe. I began to think that this is precisely how I might react if I were speaking with someone who, perhaps, constructed their own leather shoes or built their own car from scrap metal and paper clips. Now, that would be amazing! But, the moment passed, and I could tell that she wasn't impressed; but rather, confused. She reached out and touched my arm gently. She looked me in the eye and said: "God bless you" before she walked away. She said it with a tone of pity and dismay, as though I deserved a blessing for what she saw as a boring and mundane life. I wanted to shout back: "He does! He's blessed me in so many ways!! I have a full, busy life with so much more than enough to do each day that I can scarcely fit it all in!"
But, by then, she was gone. She'd never understand, there was no use in trying to explain.
I sipped my wine and smiled. It was a very nice wine.
I know how blessed I am.
I'm grateful to her for reminding me, and confirming it.
I'm grateful to her for reminding me, and confirming it.
Life is Good!
16 comments:
Bless her heart, she knowns not where she is or where she is going. We know this because she missed an opportunity to learn and experience something new from such a kind-hearted soul.
Too bad you didn't get the opportunity to tell her you have deep and meaningful relationships internet people you've never met and perhaps never will meet!
Loved the story.
n, np
I've had the same thing happen to me. When I was working (at a job that paid money), I could say, "I'm a nurse" and people would be engaged, telling me how wonderful that was, how selfless, etc. Now that I'm retired [at a very young age! ;-)] and all the work I do doesn't pay me any money, I'm looked at sometimes as somone who has no worth. Isn't it more wonderful and selfless that all the volunteer work I do doesn't pay cash, but instead I do it to help others without benefit of monatary reward? The reward I receive is actually much greater.
I, too, feel like I'm living the life I was meant to live, that I'm blessed by God to be able to help others, sometimes at a moment's notice. Today I will brave the snowstorm to drive an hour north (today it's probably two hours!) to take my MIL to the doctor. I couldn't do that if I was tied to a "job that pays money". I'm blessed that I can always put first what's more important. I love my life!
Hug!
Wow, what an experience. I think many of us have a similar story at some point in time. I know someone who asked me once, why would you do that (quilt) and I replied, 'Why wouldn't you?" We were just a baffled by each other's responses! Quilters are such a kind and generous lot of folks. I am so happy and feel so blessed that He has made me into a quilter!!
Wow. How stunning!
It's kind of sad actually. One can only hope that God will bless her so her days will become less about maintaining perfection in her appearance and more about living a fulfilled life. How dissappointed she will be to realize perfection is a myth that fades with time.
True "perfection" in life comes inside ourselves through God's love, His gifts and what we do with those gifts...like quilt with our friends!
Interesting... brought me right back to my "city" days of trying to circulate in the "right" circles for all the right reasons, ugh... exchanging degrees/colleges/job titles and job goals like it was all so-all-so-important. Well, I had 1 friend who had enough... next to-do we went to - she met a very wealthy, eligible man - he asked her what she wanted to do and she said she wanted to find the right man, quit her job, have at least 3 kids, make great home cooked meals and drive the car pool. These were supposed to be all big no-no's to admit to! He was thrilled - just what he had been looking for - of course they got married and have been happy ever since!
And me, well - I moved out of the city as it just wasn't my kind of place - I just never understood the "rules"! We are both much happier!
Cheers!
Evelyn
Oh my gosh, this is hilarious! I kinda feel sorry for her, spending her whole day on trying to make herself beautiful on the outside. Maybe she thought you worked in a sweatshop.
I can see though that when someone has different tastes than you, then it is hard to know what to say to them. I think if someone told me they played or watched football all the time, then I would either have to dig for some other topic of conversation or find someone else to talk to.
No doubt others who know you are blessed too because of "what you do"
When they don't get it, they don't get it. How sad for them! Thanks for sharing a great story and I especially love the picture--indeed worth a thousand words....
I am sorry, but that cracks me up!! Wow, talk about shallow!!
The people I don't understand are those with no hobbies at all. No church, sewing, etc., nothing. Just work and TV. Now, that's sad.
You deserve an award here, for the Perfect Post!!
Well said!
I hope your Christmas is Joyous!
Sad and funny. Baffling, too. This type of encounter is all too frequent--and I don't live in the city. It does baffle me. Now, if one answered, "I write/do photography/work out 3 hours a day/do golf tournaments/sell hand-crafted bead jewelry/clean our clubhouse, etc., it would be received with acceptance. But there is a stigma attached to quilting and sewing.
You are so right. Regardless of what I "do", it is what I "be" that matters. I be a child of the King and that's enough for me.
Blessings!
Great story - LOL! Bet her eyes glazed over, too. :-)
I live in a resort community where most of the people have retired and it amazes me everyday that so many do not have any hobbies and/or interests. They expect to be entertained every minute of every day. Ugh! They don't understand why I do what I do. Sigh!
I say "God bless you" also. It is always such a pleasure to read your blog. You bring such a sense of peace to our confusing world! Merry Christmas!
I love this story. And no -- some people just will never get it. Poor them!
Poor soul...she doesn't know what she is missing! Bless YOU for knowing!
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