God in the Mundane

So for the last several weeks we have been talking about experiencing God in the mundane. There are two events that happened in the last month that I wanted to share.

One happened Tuesday night when CV and I were making our weekly stop to buy groceries for C-Group. For some reason most of the electricity was out at the local Safeway, but people and cashiers kept at it anyway, so we joined in. While in line I noticed behind us that the young woman had a baked decorated cake that was sort of squished. She had some frosting on her hands that she was trying to avoid getting elsewhere. She was paying for this cake after she had damaged it. The more I thought about it, the more I realized what an enormous act of integrity that was. I know I would be so likely to just set it aside and pick up a new cake. Especially since the store was dark and really "who would know?" But no, she was paying for and keeping that damaged cake. I thought, now that's the type of person we should be inviting to Vibrant.

Later that same week, CV, my mom, and I went to VooDoo Donuts on our bicycles in the rain. I really am beginning to think VooDoo is a rather spiritual place, as before when I was there we had a cool experience with a homeless woman, Rita, who was learning to be more grateful. This time we were outside sipping our coffee when CV and I watched a large blond homeless man take the top off a public wastebasket. He was searching for food and found a whole bag of bagels. He twisted off the tie, took one bagel, and then closed it again. He placed the rest back in the can, put the top on the can, and get this, he says out loud to the can "thank you." Here is a man who has little to nothing, and yet he only takes what he needs, and is grateful for the gift. I was floored.

Having character when no one is watching is a really tough thing for me. I find myself cutting corners when no one is looking, or at least I think no one is. Perhaps if my faith were stronger I would be constantly aware of the Lord's presence.

In Operating Instructions by Anne Lamott she talks about temptation. How she really wants to sin and yet hears the words of her therapist "Do you want the hit or do you want serenity?" In candid Anne form she admit---"right now I just want the hit."