Hello TSJ Peeps,
It’s time for WW break!
Welcome to new readers of our Wednesday Wisdom blog. It is always fun to hear that peeps of all ages and paths of life continue to enjoy seeking wisdom and guidance from everyday experiences.
And sometimes we learn best from story…kitchen table types of stories. That is what this blog is about.
By the way, symbolically, our kitchen table has many extensions so feel free to invite your friends.
We are all so much on the run that it is often tough to take time to ponder simple things that can have a life changing impact. Sometimes a four minute break from routine is enough.
Solomon says, ” God is always in the know for peeps on the go.”
Solomon makes me smile. Solomon makes me think. Solomon makes me stop thinking.
Solomon represents that inner voice we so often ignore.
And seeing him with “the kids” in Mr. Tom’s chair gives me that moment of joy I used to feel when Tom came home on Wednesdays and checked out what “The Boys” were up to. Lovey came after he died but she too represents life and love.
Solomon’s primary role seems to be to remind us the real point of our shared journeys is learning that our Divine Shepherd — though unseen by the physical eye —is ever present and can be seen through the eyes of Love no matter where we are or how lost we feel or how tough the world seems.
True Love, Solomon reminds us, “is never truly lost. Love is the one thing you cannot lose if you give it away. In fact the only way to find Love is to give it away. It is a paradox.”
Speaking of losing or being lost brings me to today’s story.
“Can I help you?”
Now that is a question I hear frequently every where I go. Why? Probably because I look lost a lot. Sometimes I really am lost. Other times I am lost in thought. And I have recurring dreams of being lost. So apparently being lost creates some real anxiety for me, right?
Sometimes when I hear “Can I help you?” I want to correct them to say, “May I help you?” I swear my English teachers pounded that into our heads. But sometimes I chuckle because it is entirely possible that “can I?” (am I able to) is appropriate!!!
When I went to Texas this winter I was nervous about negotiating airports. I could get lost in a paper bag. No kidding, and it is so real it is embarrassing! This weakness of mine has many possible explanations ranging from early childhood traumas, the way my brain is wired (or not), problems paying attention, always living in my head (“daydreamer…airhead”) etc. Whatever the reasons, it is a personal challenge. And Tom was always my eyes. He was the opposite. Rarely lost.
But with lots and lots of help from my siblings, I flew to Texas to see where son, Joe, and his wife, Angel now live. My sister and her husband took care of the front end by driving me to the Newark, NJ airport and making sure I was all checked in.
Joe waited at the Houston airport to greet me. He waited and waited. . . I got lost. Very lost!
I asked fellow travelers where to go. I headed where they headed to the baggage claim area even though I had carried on my baggage. Hmm. I learned that lugging “baggage” around is exhausting! Especially when lost.
Apparently I missed a turn in the airport. Joe and I communicated by cell phone. He could not help me because he had no idea where I was. I walked for twenty minutes and was hot and exhausted. Joe suggested I find someone in the know to help.
Just then an airport policeman literally called out to me, “Can I help you?” I was obviously and pathetically lost. Oh my. I was so far off the right path!
I had him talk with Joe on the phone. They made a plan. The policeman said,. . .
“I will go with you!”
“You have to go back to where you came from. It can be confusing. So I will go with you.”
“All the way back?” I ask. My bags and my heart felt heavy. “It is a long way for you to go.” I protested. “Can’t you just tell me?” I felt badly for him.
“That’s okay, I get my exercise this way,” he kindly responded.
Music to my ears.
Twenty minutes that man walked with me! (And I carried my baggage.)
I was so grateful that he would walk the “extra mile” for me. We ended up on an elevator that I would never have known to choose. Presto! The door opened and there was Joe!
A lost mom was found.
And a kind man disappeared into the crowd to help others.
Being lost can be tough and we all know the feeling. First a question, then a statement made all the difference . . .
“Can I help you?”
“I will go with you.”
Let us not only do this literally, but in spirit with one another in today’s pastures.
Happy Wednesday. It is flying by as usual.
Margie
PS – Solomon is retelling this to SJ and Lovey. What do you think he will teach them?
