An encounter of a type I don't expect at MY house...

[albadger]

I'm in San Diego right now while my Mom recovers from surgery -- I'm staying with my Dad, offering to help him with whatever, but he doesn't really need much help (we'll leave his political illness to the side, as it is incurable). I did replace some light bulbs today. I was abducted by my sister-in-law for a few hours, got to join her and her friends for a little klatch-type behavior. Also shopping, and visiting Mom at the hospital, and such.

But the best encounter of the day was a surprise. Doorbell rings around 10:30am -- I am expecting it to be two of Mom's friends come by to see how she was. One tall woman, one short. Both carrying books. Leather-bound books.

"You don't know us," says the tall one (no duh!), "but we just wanted to stop by and share with you a few verses from Psalm..." oh, heck, I don't remember what number Psalm it was.

I smile as she reads the verses, something that ends with a happy image of abundance and peace. "Abundance and peace," I quote back at her, "that sounds wonderful," deliberately ignoring the part before that about sending enemies into the Shadow or something. I thank them for sharing, and they go on their way.

You know what I'm struck by, thinking back on the meeting? I didn't use any of those zingers we all store up for door-to-door proselytizers -- I didn't even think any of them. I was just happy to share her happiness at sharing her message with a stranger. Not enough happiness in this world, I say.

Comments

[dhpbear.livejournal.com]

"How much for the little girl?" usually works :)

[albadger.livejournal.com]

They didn't bring a kid, so I think that question would have just confused them.

[thornyc.livejournal.com]

Invite them in.

Then invite them into the bedroom.

Then invite them into the bedroom closet.

Works every time!

[albadger.livejournal.com]

They are not getting into my closet. Who knows what sort of mischief they could get into?

[bearhedded.livejournal.com]

In "The Lonely Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove", the former ninja babe actress feeds 'em to the trailer next door!

I'm not kidding, it's a fun book!

(Christopher Moore)

[albadger.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a good candidate for a stage production?

[bearhedded.livejournal.com]

It has, "screenplay" smudged all over it!

[hantsbear.livejournal.com]

If it gets too bad, go and visit the koalas at San Diego zoo...

[albadger.livejournal.com]

Good Idea! I do hope to get down to Balboa Park probably next week.

[strongaxe.livejournal.com]

Well, it sounds like they were just trying to cheer you up, not actively trying to proselytize you.

[albadger.livejournal.com]

I did look up the Psalm later, it ends nice but there is a bit of Smite Thine Enemies in the meantime... well, we'll just concentrate on the happy ending & let it go.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I was all prepared to be snarky about pushy religious people, then you shut me completely up ... I can't disagree with your final sentence.

HUGS!

Hope your Mom recovers quickly!

[albadger.livejournal.com]

I guess the nice surprise was that they weren't pushy, and were kind of sweet.

Mom came through surgery okay -- still slowly recovering, they're going to keep her in for a few more nights.

[bigjohnsf.livejournal.com]

In the days before we lost civility, it would have been obvious that there are ways to send them away that don't involve zingers.

I usually say that I was raised only to discuss religion with family and members of my clergy -- which is true. And, then I say, "Have a nice day."

[albadger.livejournal.com]

Well, that was the nice part about this one, she just read the psalm and left, no bother. I thought that was a better calling card for her religion than "May I barge in on you and tell you how to think?" could ever possibly be.

[bigjohnsf.livejournal.com]

I've known Christian Scientists who I knew to be very active in their church, but would never think of sharing that with someone who had not expressed and interest.