etcetera:

by Jenifer Kelly

I often run to the grocery store after Sim goes to sleep. It’s exactly four minutes away. Maya and the dogs watch over our little place while I’m gone. It’s not as busy or as rushed this time of night which
allows for conversation with my grocers.

Julie tells me about her health, I get a fist bump from Bill, Kim walks me to get the sunscreen I’m looking for. They want to help. They are kind. They are generous in their hospitality and offer of community. I
don’t take this glimmering humanity for granted.

Tonight was especially dear to my heart. Normally when Bob bags my groceries he asks how I am and when I ask how is, he responds, “Happy, joyful, and blessed to have a job.” I tell him that is wonderful
and that his words make me happy. Tonight, he noticed my school shirt and asked if I was a teacher. He lit up with curiosity and joy asking about my school.

Bob speaks and moves in a very idiosyncratic way; his eye contact is piercing. I have seen some walk away from him as I imagine they don’t know what to do with his ”outside-the-box-ness.” But if they
would pause and listen, they would hear the warmth and softness in his words, feel his wonder and curiosity that is so connecting, his deep wisdom that draws in.

“Did you go to school around here, Bob?” I asked.

“No, I went to school in FL. But they all said I would not get past elementary school because I was abused and neglected as a 2-year-old…. But I did!” And with that, his face erupted into the biggest smile.

“Wow, Bob! Thank you for sharing that.”

He stood taller and added triumphantly, “I graduated from college!”

He saw my intrigue and quickly went on…“I am thankful for what I went through because it made me a fighter. Now I am working through recovery. I am on the second step; learning about the concept of Love.”

My heart skipped a few beats realizing what a profound moment of vulnerability I was being honored with. Holy ground indeed. “That’s my favorite. I will always be learning about Love, too. I sure need It.”

Bob was aglow with joy as was I. Love came near.

In two minutes, he got right to the heart of things and what matters most and in doing so, left another human being deeply inspired, encouraged, and hopeful. Thank you, Bob, for your honesty, courage and
joy. Thank you for being outside-the-box. Please don’t try to filter yourself. The world needs less heart- filters and more of what you have.

And thank you to God (who is Love) for putting me in this time and place-in the world- for a reason. I want to see all the faces. I want to hear all the stories.

Jennifer Kelly, is a lover of Jesus, wife, and Mom of 4 who loves to learn and hold other’s stories. (And we are glad she is a part of our MRB family.)