An old woman at the VA who was a sign of grace for others Walking down the hallways in the VA on a crowded day can be very interesting. Like any crowd, there are lots of people, each dressed differently, some knowing where they are going, others confused and too proud to ask for directions. Others aren’t shy about seeking information on how to get to some place or another. There was a couple, perhaps in their 50’s trying to figure which direction to go in. Each war arguing with each other, but there was no movement. So I asked if they needed directions, but each looked at me and said no, they are alright. As I walked away, they started arguing again……we can be funny at times. On some mornings near the information booth at the VA, there is a woman who is giving out free coffee, a volunteer no doubt. She seems to enjoy asking the men and women who pass by if they would want some coffee and perhaps a cookie or a donut. She is very pleasant and I am sure that this little gesture could be helpful at relieving a certain level of stress…..others perhaps not. In any case, she is always there simply wishing to give away something for free if one is tired or perhaps a little hungry. Some are gruff with her, others nice when they refuse. Some when they get the coffee complain that it is not hot enough etc. She just smiles and wishes them a good day. All she wants to do is give something away. She is giving of her time, and perhaps it is out of love and compassion for the many veterans who have a heavy burden to carry, so she does not seem to mind if someone responds in a less than gracious manner. For me, what she is doing is giving out grace’, she is noticing the men and women and some do receive it, others pass by without seeing and others can be a little nasty, though they are few I believe. She seemed to understand it all and unruffled continued to show in her own small way a little concern for those who pass by. My brother had to go in today for his second treatment. They were a little behind, but after he was checked in, an hour late, it went quickly after that. On the way home, he needed to get a sandwich, so we stop at a hamburger place. All the workers there were Mexican, and they seemed a happy lot, perhaps a family, I don’t know. The lady who waited on me told me that my fish sandwich would take 5 minutes. Well, it is a hamburger place, so I guess even though they have fish sandwiches they are not called for all that much. So we sat down, my brother with his meal, and me with my drink and fries. In about 5 minutes and 10 seconds, but hey who is counting, she called and said my sandwich was ready. With it was a small order of french-fries, freely given, and I smiled and thanked her. She laughed, smiled and waved back at me…..she was a sign of grace as well. She did one small gesture. She knew I ate my french fries and out of the kindness of her heart, gave me another order to go with it. I guess I could have said no thank you, but if I did, perhaps I would have been withholding a grace from her. In any case, her gentle gesture made sure that I would not forget her. Little acts of being kind don’t take much energy, but if they become a habit they are ways of connecting with strangers that can plant a small seed that will bear fruit later. We all liked to be seen and not just looked upon as just another veteran, or customer etc. When we are noticed in little ways and we become aware on out how helpful and even healing that can be, we may start to pass on the favor. Life is often made up of little things, small gestures often not noticed, but they can be very important. We can grow in our desire to deepen our connection with others, or we can seek to protect ourselves from being bothered. The long-lasting effect can be enormous. Christ noticed little things when he walked the earth. He noticed the widow putting in her last penny in the offering box. He noticed the children and told the apostles not to hinder them. He noticed the women with the issue of blood and turned and praised her for her courage and faith. He noticed something in Matthew, a tax collector and called him. Jesus noticed everything in a way that was filled with compassion for all of us. Even when he comes over strong, he was trying to teach and not to simply beret. Like when he called Peter ‘a Satan’ for trying to change his course…..it was all out of love. Like the women giving coffee at the VA, God is always asking us if we want ‘grace’, in its many forms. What he offers is a deep loving relationship with us. Love is the caffeine of the soul I believe. I do think it is important to seek to notice how grace is given in so many ways. Through others by their attention and kindness, by our family, because they know us and forgive us over and over again, and by our friends who seek us out even if we are imperfect and even annoying at times. Grace is not something hidden, it is in plain sight. It is true, whatever we do to others and what others for us, it is really Jesus who receives, for in him we live and move and have our being.
