Once a month, for the past four months I have received a visit from my new friend. I don't know her name, but she knows mine. She came knocking one day early in summer. I, in my usual flustered state, swung open the door kicking shoes out of my way, blocking the cat with one foot and juggling toys that I rush to pick up at the thoughts of a visitor.
She is so pleasant and has the sweetest personality. She came to talk to me and offer me her magazines and read to me from her holy scriptures. I didn't tell her that I have different holy scriptures or different truths or beliefs. But I also didn't invite her in for tea and a chat. I was busy and offered for her to come back.
She did, and she keeps coming. We are forming some sort of relationship that is kind of neat. If we saw each other in the store, we would recognize and greet each other. The difference is, I think she sees me as a great prospect for her 'winning', whereas I see her as a potential friend.
The second time she came I was on my way out so it was another rushed visit. As was the third.
Today I was runnning down the stairs with a pile of clothes, trying to get them in the washer before it went too far into the cycle. As I passed the door on my way to the laundry, I saw a figure standing there (my freak out for the day). Again, I open the door in an obvious, "I've got my hands full" kind of way. I've got a puppy trying to escape that I grab by the collar while juggling falling pieces of clothing, meanwhile out of nowhere the cat darts between us and takes off into "no cats" territory.
My friend looks at me and says, "I can see you've got your hands full as usual." We laugh like a soundtrack and she introduces the newest edition of her magazine and then reads another portion from her holy scriptures.
Feeling bad for interrupting my chaos, she left. I felt bad for not being more welcoming.
Next month when she comes I'll have the coffee ready and invite her in. I'll let her tell me her thoughts if she'll listen to mine. I do not intend to impose my views or convert her to my beliefs, nor will I be converted. Whether we end up on the same page is secondary, I think we would make great friends!
Monday, September 12, 2005
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5 comments:
What a cool way to look at your monthly visitor. I think too often we are all wanting to shut the door in their faces. I look forward to hearing how her next visit to your door turns out!
Great perspective.
And your freaking out about an unexpected visitor at the door sounds way too familiar!
Yes.
I love the line, "We laughed like a soundtrack."
I picture an old lady. How old is this woman?
definitely not old. I don't think she is even as old as me.
I used to get two "visitors" my last year of high school. It was a bit freaky how they knew my school schedule and when I would be home, but it was still neat to talk to them and learn more about their beliefs.
Thank goodness they didn't offer me any cool aid, though. I always get nervous about that...
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