On a random door knock a lady in cheetah speckled clothes immediately welcomed us into her home. Her husband was playing on the computer and wouldn't come out of his room, so we sat down with cheetah clothes lady named Crystal.
Whenever we meet someone who begins their conversation with, "I saw a documentary about you," we brace ourselves for whatever may follow. I'm glad I did too, because she had a misunderstanding between us and some terrifying cults in the desert, delivered to us in possibly some of the most colorful and rude language I've heard. Not sure if I should be grateful that she was drinking or not, since she was just as willing to change her mind as she was willing to share it, after we helped clear up that we aren't abusive psychopaths (though not sure about E Ashby yet....heh heh). She definitely wasn't drunk, just a bit tipsy from a wine drink off with her mother-in-law. This led her to ask a few heart-tugging questions about life and statements clearly void of hope in her life as a wife and a mother. I've found that the only real way to connect with someone substantially, both for those sober and those under an influence, is by placing myself in their empathetic shoes and listening. In fact, I'd be willing to say some of the best experiences I've had with ministering have come simply by listening with loving ears.
Crystal went on for a while, we chimed in a few encouraging words and scriptures, she went on for another while, then stopped abruptly and thanked us for willing to listen to her problems despite being complete strangers.Now, I feel like my new companion Elder Ashby looks like a normal, same age guy like myself. We both have brown hair, both Caucasian, only like three/four inch height difference, similar weights, and we even both wear glasses. Yet I was surprised when squinted eyes followed as she looked between Elder Ashby and I, and she added, speaking to Elder Ashby, "You his boy? He your Pops? You sure look like father and son."
I never have been called my companion's legitimate father before. I suppose the wine might had something to do with it, but I'll take it as a well placed compliment.
You're never too sure what to expect around here. The remarkable thing to me is that everyone has their own time tables, their own agendas, their own schedules, yet in the jumbled spider web of busyness, miraculous crossroads present themselves turn after turn, setting us in the exact right place and moment needed to help another brother or sister out in their respective dire circumstances. Simply by walking down streets we gather timeless adventures.
xoxo
Elder Burgess
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