I just lost it the other night — trying to watch a no-brain light comedy and my spouse started going on and on again about how “coffee isn’t any good anymore.” It was for some ridiculous reason the last straw (heaven knows I put up with much more than that everyday with a grin, a smile, a joke!) Anyway, I blew, and he staggered off to bed looking perplexed and fell asleep. When I came in a bit later he woke, and I kissed him and said “I’m sorry I yelled at you,” and he said “what did you say?”
But this reminds me that I was supposed to post this story about losing it and gaining grace, from one of our sisters in our group.
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After a very bad angry melt down with my post stroke husband, I went into the laundry room which doubles as my sanctuary from the irrational paranoia and unreasonableness and cried, yelled screamed to God as to my inability to cope and keep my sanity, I journalled my feelings and thoughts to the Lord, and feeling a little calmer, I decided to check my Email before I left my sanctuary and escaped for a brisk walk or something to get rid of the extra adrenalin coursing through my system. A single Email from a friend who has brain injury from seizures and multiple handicaps. It was a fwd story, one of her specialties to pick the right story for the right moment without even knowing:
I trust this will It will give you time to settle your brain, gather your thoughts, calm down and finish your week off on a positive note treasure hunting for the little glimpses that become big when we take the time to focus.
> Potato Chips
>
> A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with a bag of potato chips and a six-pack of root beer and started his journey.
>
> When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old man. He was sitting in the park, just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old man looked hungry, so he offered him some chips. He gratefully accepted it and smiled at him.
>
> His smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a root beer. Again, he smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word..
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> As twilight approached, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave; but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old man, and gave him a hug. He gave him his biggest smile ever..
>
> When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, “What did you do today that made you so happy?”
> He replied, “I had lunch with God.” But before his mother could respond, he added, “You know what? He’s got the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen!”
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> Meanwhile, the old man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and he asked, “dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?”
>
> He replied “I ate potato chips in the park with God.” However, before his son responded, he added, “You know, he’s much younger than I expected.”
>
> Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime! Embrace all equally!
>
> Have lunch with God…….bring chips.
Lesson for me: “ heard your anguish child, I can handle it, Look for me in the little things I am there walking with you in your day”
CaringCV 