I tied my shoes to the back of my backpack before getting off the bus...Of course, the laces hung below waist level. I tolerated this ass-kicking metaphor for only so long. At a shaded lonely street corner, just outside a small town mall, I decided to do something about it. Kneeling down, I assessed my surroundings and untied my shoes from my backpack. Across the street, the 1st lilacs of the season were coming into bloom.
Towards me, on the crosswalk, approached a man strutting like today was great day to be. I picked up my plastic grocery bag with my left-hand and pair of shoes with my right. The now worn flip-flops allowed my feet to breathe, offering a boost on this pleasant day to be.
This man on the street wore the most technicolour clothes. He had crazy hair like Doc. Brown’s in Back to the Future II...except not as well kept. There was grey at the roots but white on top. He stopped and asked me something like, ‘Do you thank God for this beautiful day that we’re living?’
I told him,’ I suppose somewhat...I think something of some sort.’
He asked me if I considered ‘Jesus Christ a friend?’ To which I responded ‘I have and do, but not necessarily today.’ He asked me if the King James truth is understood in my life. Excited, he recited a daily prayer. He spoke of absolving himself from his sins while clasping his hands together under his chin.
After he completed the prayer I said, “No, I don’t agree with literal Biblical truth. It’s got some grand tales, but could not have really happened. I know that Shakespeare contributed passages less than 500 years ago.”
Swinging his forefinger like a symphonic conductor he preached, “It’s all truth, every word of it! Each day is but God’s gift!”
I took a step back and collected thoughts. “Sure, today is divine, but I promise today is fine apart from just God’s design. I can believe a higher power handed us the chirping flowers and trees, but we created the debris. Do you think the Earth would perceive human evolution as a disease?”
He further pushed his stance. “This world you see is full of sin – you must find a way to give Jesus Christ a chance because he died on the cross for you and her and me.”
“I believe in the symmetry between good and bad. How the world is beginning to see that we must forgive our enemies in order to truly be free.”
His wild hair bounced in excitement. “Yes! Yes! You understand! You must grab God’s grand hand.”
If effort to imply that I wasn’t yet convinced, I responded, “I know there’s some God or another or maybe even three.”
Looking me in the eyes he said, “My name is Abraham,” and offered his right hand. But my hand was holding my shoes. My left hand took my size 9’s as he offered his left set of fives. By this point my mind had been made up. With sweaty hands, right to right we shook.
With a squint and dull twinkle in his eyes he said, “Jesus has got a girl for you.”
Slyly smirking I replied, “I already have a good one for me.”
He countered, “God forbids us to fornicate.”
With a grin I exclaimed: “Jesus did Mary Magdalene!”
He smiled, “Nice to meet you, you’re a good boy. Enjoy this day that God has given this world.”
With a salute I said: “Good day to you too sir...will do.”
I crossed the street to where the scented air was calling. With utmost respect and care – I dipped my nose in, smelling the graceful purple fleur. It had seemed like a long time since lilacs were last in bloom. Inseminated thru the bumblebee, nature’s perfected perfume. The wonder this experience offers, makes life alright. For somewhere, something must be worshipped and thanked for such a beautiful gift.
Experienced: May 22, 2006 – Prince George BC
