heckit's blog: January 2010

Sunday, January 31, 2010

post office

Kara’s gift package came back from the post office because on new guidelines that require I bring in the package to a postoffice… I could go to the Evans Post Office, where the attendants are friendly and service is fast, but I would have to go before school and this year has been difficult at school so I might lose cruicial preparation time.

I could go to my local post office at Lakeshore. They are open on Sundays and Saturdays but often there is a line at the branch. Oh what the hec, I have time on Saturday.

I arrive at the post office.

Hmmmmp, there is a line ten people long. Sigh. Well I am already here. I guess I will get in line and wait.

Wait.

Why is this line not moving? There are only two attendants—no surprise there. There is one customer who seems to be buying sheets and sheets of all the postage stamps available.

Wait.

I face the wall and muster up patience. Come on, in developing countries I have waited in line to get simple postage for postcards. Yes but this is the United States—I wouldn’t think I have to wait this long. Maybe this is an opportunity to practice patience, to develop equanimity, and not get trapped in the rush of US life.

Wait.

The postage lady is done.

Wait.

I only needed 18 cents…. At least I wrote out this experience on the back of my to do list.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

birthday card for kara

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Death, disease, and destruction

On the first of January, one of my neighbors wished me, “Happy New Year.”

“I hope it is,” I replied.

“How do you know?”

“Because it is an even numbered year. 2009 was a terrible year. Look at 2001, when 9-11 happened. 2010 is going to be a good year.”

Two days ago I got word that my friend Maureen lost her mom after a long bout with illness. Death is a part of life and as Christians, faith commends us to look at death as athe door to new life. On Saturday, I found out Fumi, my flower lady at the Farmer’s Market, is dealing with bone, lung and breast cancer. She is so buoyant and hopeful—but the news is very sad. And last week, Haiti suffered its worst earthquake in 200 years. I can only imagine my world destroyed into rubble. Death, disease and destruction seem to rein along with the challenges we face at my school.

But I have faith that the God continues his presence in all of this. We are not forsaken. We give thanks for life and blessings always.