Naomi's Notes - 11/19/06
Seminary J-Terms (3-week courses) are always intense, but one I took in July 1987 was especially memorable. Besides 3 hours of class daily, I had to read 4 books, write 8 papers, and complete a take-home final. Then, during the last week - when everything was due - the power went off for 4 days in Seminary Village where I lived. No lights, no computer, no a/c, no hot water, no hair dryer,… I freaked.
Thankfully, the good folks at church had a soft spot in their hearts for poor, struggling seminary students. They helped me survive the week, offering assistance and lots of sympathy for my loud complaints of extreme hardship.
When it was all over, I had a 3-week pile of dirty laundry to wash. As I sat drying towels in a laundromat, I was startled by a harsh, loud voice. Looking up, I saw two pitiful, feeble old ladies struggling to do their laundry. My eyes were riveted on their neediness.
Both were shabbily dressed with unkempt hair. One wore bright, pasty rouge and a tattered housedress. A dazed look on her face, she took tiny, careful steps as she hobbled about, dragging her laundry bag. The other - the one barking orders - was literally horizontal from the hips up. She couldn't even straighten up enough to see if the washer lid was open. (If I were in her condition, I'm sure I would bark, too.)
Obviously, just doing laundry was a major struggle for them. They seemed to cling to each other for survival. The manager was busily making change, giving them his full attention as I looked for an opportunity to assist without intruding.
Once they got their machines started, they sat down and the manager came over to talk to me. Venting sarcastically, he told of "the good church people who always drop these ladies off in the parking lot, then drive off to go tell everyone at church what a good deed they've done for the week." I commented that instead of folks going the second mile, some only go half a mile.
Easy for me to say. He was feeling dumped on, and the driver had at least provided transportation. But I really hadn't done anything substantial to help--although I was feeling ashamed of complaining about my so-called extreme hardship earlier that week.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I am reminded of how grateful I am for the many good church people who have gone way beyond the second mile to see that I am well cared for. And I am humbled and challenged as I remember how often I've been more like the good church people who are well meaning, but ultimately go only a half-mile or less when it comes to really taking care of others--especially the downtrodden who have no resources to return the favor. I will do better.
"Because love has been lavished so Upon me, Lord,
A wealth I know that was not meant for me to hoard,
I shall give love to those in need,
Shall show that love by word and deed:
Thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed."
Naomi