Save Us from Ourselves

Today seemed like a good day to check with Strong about the status of my account. Since I was planning to be in the area anyway, it would save me a trip. I pulled up to the front circle and climbed out of the car. Some woman was angrily yelling at one of the valets. She didn't like his attitude. She demanded satisfaction and apology - the litany went on and on. All the other valets ran. Who wants to bear the brunt of someone's hostility? I couldn't imagine what the poor man had done.

I too was relieved to go inside and escape the rantings of a lunatic. I headed down the hall to the familiar office. I had no sooner checked in than the same angry yelling woman entered, approached the receptionist, brushing aside some timid woman waiting patiently at the proper place, and began insisting that she be helped. The receptionist smiled, acknowledged her request, and told her politely that she would assist her as soon as she had helped the next person in line.

Angry woman wouldn't brook such insolence. She kept repeating "Look, I just need one question answered" as if somehow that were justification for her jumping line. The receptionist again answered politely and tactfully, directing her to step aside while she helped the other person. But angry woman would have none of it. She bellowed and blathered and sputtered to no avail. Everyone within the sound of her voice looked away, wishing the crazy woman would disappear. Me too. Go away and be grumpy somewhere else. Don't drag us all into your discontent.

Her bullying did her no good. She was helped in turn, then sat in the waiting area along with the rest of us who all looked anywhere but at her, not wanting to get sucked into some inane conversation about what ever her issues were. In my childhood, we would have said, "Who peed in your corn flakes?"

The next counselor entered the waiting area and looked around. Angry woman stood up and headed toward her. The counselor nodded at her, touched my shoulder and said, "Come with me." We disappeared into the consultation room before angry woman could utter a single word. Hah! They must be used to brow beaters and bullies here. Good strategy.

When I left, angry woman was pacing in the waiting area alone. Everyone else was being helped. Good, I thought, and then was immediately ashamed of myself. What if she has been abused and treated badly herself? What if her behavior is a reaction to a truly troubled life? I know nothing of her circumstances, her burdens. Maybe she had to leave a small child unattended in her car or some other pressing situation was driving her hurry?

As I wandered down the hall back toward my car, I debated whether to turn around and just ask her what was troubling her. I am sure it would be like lancing a boil and I would probably be inundated with a litany of woes and troubles. Maybe if she could spit them out, she would treat others better. No, this is not my responsibility. But I can have compassion for someone so distraught that they lash out at everyone around them. I certainly can pray for the love of Christ to touch her, that she not be so alone against the world.

And not just that she needs God, but that I too need his grace and compassion to better bless those around me who are hurting - or at least recognize them instead of react to them! Lord, save me from my arrogance and unkindness.

Still Catching Up

Now that the fluff of drugged head, pain and other health impediments has lifted, I need to get squarely back in the game. I have 3 papers to complete, a ton of laundry, catching up with cleaning - especially the kitchen and bathroom floors, and the ever delightful bill paying to get back on track with. I finally managed to edit my blog postings and get up to date with that.

I have been sifting email, taking care of work details, gearing up for a few weeks of library instruction and lining up projects. I touched base with staff, made some lists of priorities, and actually found time to change my liturgical room decor and door hanging! (I always know I am better when I get to that part).

Unexpected bonus: Once I got caught up with the blog postings, I heard from many friends who just took the opportunity to touch base. What a delight to hear from people and be blessed by their cheer and happenings. Sure makes you feel connected. I admit I could do a better job of posting on Facebook, but somehow that has never been my cup of tea. Its so much more personal and free to email or chat online.

I figure by end of the week, I should be back to current. Not bad to catch up in a few weeks what took me down for a few months! The light at the far end of the tunnel makes the journey behind you seem so much less daunting and dark than when you were walking through it.

Girls Night Out

We decided to go Greek for a change. Rather than carpool there, we each took our own car. I took the main routes, thinking I could make it easy for those who weren't exactly sure where the place was. Who am I kidding? These ladies are long time Rochester residents. They all got there before me by snaking around the back roads.

Not to worry. This is a restaurant that is not only reasonably priced, but I can actually eat a number of entrees without fearing digestive retribution. I decided on the hot turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes. But the omlete, fried fish, and grilled chicken on the other plates looked pretty tantalizing too.

All around us groups of people came and went while we chatted and laughed and carried on. I find it interesting that no one comes in to dine alone. Everyone is with at least one other person. Nice. We covered everything from dealing with grumpy people to what kind of person we would want to marry if we could pick to kid behavior to parent behavior and everything inbetween. I totally missed the sunset while we were having such a good time. It felt good to be well and doing something normal.

I got out my iPhone and clicked on the fireplace app to add a bit of ambiance. We quickly scrolled through the coral reef and the gentle rainstorm apps just for fun and our conversation turned to thoughts of vacation and summer plans. I want to do a lot of camping this summer. I am looking for volunteers who are game to pitch a tent and sleep in the wilds of a nearby campground. Any takers?

My friends reminisced about previous camping experiences, but agreed one and all that these days they only camp in hotels. Not quite what I have in mind. We finally wind down and look through my coupon book to see what restaurant we want to try next month. Popular vote is for a Japanese place where we can watch a chef chop stuff in front of our faces. Sounds scary to me, but I am willing.