Not who you think!
Upon first acquiring this apartment, I noticed a little old man riding his bike around the parking lot and into the convenience store lot next to the complex. Yesterday, while Jack was out shooting baskets, he rode up to us.
He’s a bit old, like I said. Probably about 75 or so. But he may be a bit slow too.
When he rolled up to us at the barsketball goal, the first thing I noticed was the snuff ring around his mouth. He doesn’t speak too clearly or loudly but I did understand him to compliment Jack’s shooting skills.
We chatted for a bit, and all the while I kept thinking, “hmmmm. This is a God moment. Pay attention.”
We talked about the basketball goal, and then he showed me his bicycle seat that is larger than mine (bicycle seat that is) … He had his wrapped in plastic, I suppose to protect it from the rain and sun.
I finally asked him, “What’s your name.” “Kenny.” he said. He has lived at the complex for about 5 years and he lives there with his step-son. I think I see him leaving for work about 2:30 each day.
When he told me that, I thought, “Hmmm. Step-son. They must have had a good relationship. I hope they have a good relationship.”
Though Kenny seems a bit slow (mentally … and with his speech especially), he’s obviously got enough of his facilities to ride a bike. And at age 75-ish, that’s no simple feat.
So, when he rode off to make his circles, I thought … “What of that God?” And I’ve been pondering on it since. Last night, I went to bed a bit melancholy. I was missing home … though I think I’m supposed to say that this is home now.
When I woke up this morning I said to the Lord, “You know, I remember now, I really can’t live without community. This here place, reminds me a lot of Polk County in many ways. There are mountains, and simplicity and the small town feel … and yet, it’s not my community yet. Lord, I need You to help me make community.”
When I think of Polk County … and even Cleveland, it’s community because I know so many people. I know I have the knack for talking to anybody … but community doesn’t happen automatically … the hard lesson is that it takes “being involved with others.”
The question is … “Can I … DO I want to … be involved with people?”
Kenny reminds me a lot of Clifton Weaver. Not hardly to that extreme … but that’s who he reminds me of. For those from Polk County, think of Greek Long or Woodrow McCamy. So, “what of that God?”
Sitting here now, I’m thinking that God is saying to me … “Everywhere you go … people need people. Everywhere you go, there will be someone who reminds you of someone … that’s because we all have the same basic needs and desires … and purpose in life.”
“I AM … has created each of them. Everyday people … everyday life … and I love them all. You love them too, Carole.” That’s what I hear God saying today.
