As I've been intently observing people's driving habits in preparation of driving myself in Ukraine, I've noticed that they often park anywhere. Literally. I wasn't particularly judgmental of this trait, just observant. I've also noticed that people have an uncanny awareness of the space of their car. They can fit through spaces that have only a few centimeters to spare on either side. They back up until you want to yell stop to perfect strangers before they hit the tree; and somehow they seldom hit anything!
Some of you know that this past Tuesday was International Women's Day. This translates to business being closed and most celebrating at home with their family. It also translates to very, very little open parking available. After picking up my flat mate, we headed to a friend's house to have dinner and play games. Upon arriving back at our apartment, it became quickly apparent that there was no parking to be found. The look on both of our faces as we realized that this meant me backing out of a very long, narrow spaces between cars crammed in on both sides was priceless. I refused to look at this as an option. Instead, I proceeded to turn around in this cramped situation which meant using the fee sidewalk space as turning ground. I then 'found' an open space on the children's playground and parked there until I could move the car in the morning.
As I maneuvered between the bush, the planter and the slide, our dajhournaya - little elderly woman who 'guards' our building just inside the entrance - watched intently as I parked. I sheepishly walked towards her, joking that she was going to chastise me for parking where children play. Instead she exclaimed that she had hung up the March 8 Women's Day Congratulatory Card that I had printed out and given to her as I left the building earlier in the day.
I realize that this entry may seem wordy and trite. I am sharing this because looking back, I am reminded of how much of my daily life is filled with the trite and mundane - the business of parking if you will. And, somehow, along the way, God allows moments when we often least expect it - to show Himself. Many times it is the things that we least expect that make an impact in someone's life. A card, a smile, a hug, listening,... acknowledging their value and worth and seeing them through God's eyes. My prayer is that I'll bring out the God colors and the saltiness of life to those that God brings across my path - wherever I am.
One of my favorite passages is Matthew 5:13 - 16. It is immediately following when Jesus gives us the beatitudes: Here's the passage from The Message:
13"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
14-16"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
