Purple

In the Spring semester the library staff enjoys putting on a lasagna dinner for our students who work so hard keeping the library functioning well. We plan carefully, send printed personal invitations, sign up to bring food or table decor, help with the serving or clean up. It is a very small way to thank them for their faithfulness and willingness to do boring projects.

I had signed up to bring vegetable lasagna. Not that I planned to actually make it myself. I know my limitations these days. Normally I would bake, but this year I just don't have enough energy for such things. I have eaten the Stouffer's vegetable lasagna, and know it to be delicious and wholesome, and I planned to get one, heat it in the oven, and bring it piping hot.

Best laid plans! On Wednesday, I came in early, worked late, and didn't get a chance to get to the grocery store to purchase the lasagna. Once 10 pm rolled around and I was free to leave, I was too tired to go to the store even though it was open. Well, I can get it in the morning on my way to work. I am more energetic in the morning anyway.

I strolled into Wegmans at 7 am, heading for the frozen food section and toying with the idea of getting a scone for breakfast. I passed a beautiful display of deep purple iris bouquets begging to be bought and taken home. How gorgeous they are! I stopped to admire them, drinking in their springy flavor and sweet scent.

I finally tore myself away to pick up the desired items, thinking all the time that I have not had any fresh flowers at home for awhile. The iris was not expensive, just a few dollars. I know they won't last long, but how refreshing it would be to bathe my eyes with their beauty. I realized that taking them home wouldn't work since I spend most of my day at the library, and when I am home I go to bed shortly after I arrive.

Yes, I could put them in my office. Of course, I spend much of my time at the ref desk or the circ desk, so I still wouldn't see much of them. Even so, a glance now and again would feed my soul. Then, ashamed of my selfishness, I knew what I must do. I walked purposely back to the floral display and searched for a bouquet where not all of the flowers had opened yet. I selected just the right bunch and added them to my basket.

They now nod and smile from a corner of the public circ desk at everyone who comes into the library, blessing their day with a ray of sunshine, a dab of delight. Workers at the desk mention how sweet they smell. Patrons invariably smile and exclaim about how pretty they are. It is like getting a face lift in mid winter. Just a suggestion that the snow and ice won't last.

For me, the enjoyment I see on the faces of those who are touched by the irises, is an ambrosia hard to find. I smile inwardly every time I see someone blessed by the beauty of God's good world. How fitting, the color purple, for they are robed in majestic splendor.