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

[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.