1.22.2010


"I'd give God an onion. And I'd make him eat it." - a profound, forgetful, elderly woman

God is so confusing. And huge. And unpredictable. In a universe that is often filled with chaos and heartbreak (i.e. death, earthquakes, poverty), it's normal to get mad at God. I mean, who else are we going to blame, right? We know our Creator is supposed to be filled with love and compassion, so why does life deal us so many more spades, clubs, and diamonds than hearts.

One of the big highlights of my job is that I get to spend time at the local care center. Many people know these institutions of holiness as "old folks homes." Most towns have at least one such place. Sometimes they have a unique smell. Sometimes their dismal lighting leaves much to be desired. But always, always, no matter where they are located, elderly care facilities are overflowing with the wisdom and depth of human life! The staff members and the residents at the local care center in my town change my heart and thoughts on life every time I visit. Truly.

It's hard to walk by the beds of residents that I know don't get visited very often. Yesterday I noticed a lady all curled up under a beautiful fleece blanket containing all the colors of the rainbow.

"Who is that?" she said squinting her eyes. "Who on earth is that?"

"Oh dear," I thought to myself. I was trying to walk by quietly. I knew there was no turning back.

"Who are you?" she said.

"I'm Pastor Emily."

"Visitor Emily?"

"Pastor Emily."

"Visitor Emily?"

"No, Pastor Emily."

"Oh! Pastor Emily. Oh. My. Well, how about that."

We visited for quite awhile. The circuiting of her beautiful brain jumped all over the place. Sometimes in 2010. Sometimes in 1920. Sometimes throughout the lifetime of decades in between.

She was not filled with smiles. But she was filled with wisdom from far beyond. And sarcasm. Lots and lots of sarcasm.

She said 11 specific words that are forever etched upon my heart: "I'd give God an onion. And I'd make him eat it."

"You'd make God eat an onion?" I asked.

"Well, of course," she said. "He makes me eat them all the time."

Right after that, she drifted back into her childhood. And I've been left with the taste of onion in my mouth ever since. I'm not really sure what our encounter means. But I am certain that it's okay to be mad at God. I really don't think God minds at all. In fact, I think God appreciates any sort of conversation we're willing to share with him. So if you're pleased as punch with God, go share an apple. And if you're a little on the bitter side, maybe it's time to peel an onion.

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