I Didn't Know

I recently attended a writers conference. I have wanted to go in previous years, but always found a reason (ie: excuse) why "now" wasn't a good time. I figured if I'm going to do it, do it well. I signed up for the extra night and a pre-conference session. The extra night was to make sure I was there on time and in the right frame of mind to focus on one thing. Life has not been about only one thing at a time, or seemingly about me, for quite awhile. 

My anxiety struck up as I got ready to leave that day. I'm almost ready to give her a name as she seems like a nit-picky, perfectionistic version of me I'm trying to get away from. "Why are you going to this BY YOURSELF? YOU don't like to go places where you don't know at LEAST one other person! Do you know how much other life stuff you have going on right now? WHY?" 

Why indeed. I slammed the door a bit harder than intended. Set my map app. Turned the radio louder to drown her out and drove away.

I was not alone for long. I found out that weekend was where I was supposed to be for that weekend. I don't think of myself as a writer. I think of myself as a person who likes to write now that I don't "have to". Our name tags listed our name as well as what we had entered on our registration. Mine said "devotionals/blogger". I made the mistake a few times of saying I "just" have a blog. I was reminded and encouraged that nothing is "just". Point taken. Learn to own it. "I am a writer" Take that, anxiety!

I sat with different people over the few days. Some had come alone. Some had come with friends. Many it was first-time attendance. Some had attended numerous years. I sat with an older couple. The wife referred to her husband as her boyfriend. So cute!. They shared they had recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with their family. I didn't tell him that he reminded me of my dad. That would have made me cry. I sat with men and women younger and older than me. I listened as they shared why they were attending and some of their stories they were willing to share. I was able to encourage some. Many encouraged me a lot. 

I didn't realize until a few meals in that some of the people sitting at our tables were "in the industry" of writing: editors, publishers, authors, agents, presenters of the sessions. I was a bit intimidated when I made that little discovery. Why was I surprised though? They have to eat too! Anxiety snuck up again as I tried to replay conversations in my mind where I might have said something I shouldn't have to someone I shouldn't have. 

I learned a lot. The weekend ended. I came home. The feeling to write has nagged me. I made an online Facebook support group because I don't have time right now to meet in person. I "friended" some of the attendees. They "friended" me. Writing is really kind of lonely overall. Sharing what is in my head and heart is kind of overwhelming overall. 

How many times have I let what or who I didn't know get in my way? Is what we have written on our name tag as a job or how we would describe ourselves really what matters? It was a Christian writers conference. Would/Do people know that about me without seeing it on a name tag? 

I write this to remind me...and you....don't let what you don't know stop you. I was reminded of the verse: 

Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

and then I found verse 6: 

So we say with confidence,“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

To those who shared hospitality with me: thank you for being an angel when I needed one. My new name tag: mere mortal/writer

Earth Angels.....They Still Exist! :)

Just when I think things are messed up with the world we live in, I experience something like what happened tonight.

I was bringing some friends home. I got a flat tire on a busy road. Luckily, I could bump my way into the gas station on the corner. This was not your average, run of the mill flat tire (in my opinion....not that I've had much experience with one). This tire was completely flat on the bottom. Air did not just leak out, something popped.

Normally, I would just call AAA, but I haven't had the $$ to renew my membership and figured I would call if I needed it. Luckily, my friend knew where the correct parts were, where the spare was AND how to change the tire.

Every time there was a part of the process that was not working, someone came up to ask if they could help. Throughout the process about 7 different people helped us get it done. One man and his son even went and got the floor jack from their home when they realized we could not get our van jack high enough. Bonus - they were mechanics that worked on cars at people's homes! They completed the tire removal and replacement. The father said he stopped because he had a wife and daughter-in-law that he hoped someone would help if needed.

Luckily, I had gotten some gift cards last week to give for graduation gifts. I was able to give them to the two people that helped us the most. These were guys that were willing to just lay down in the parking lot, place themselves in awkward positions and take time out of their lives....to help 4 people they did not even know.

My hope in the human race is restored somewhat. I said "luckily" above, but I know better. We were blessed in numerous ways....by earth angels willing to get dirty to help....when I would not have asked. Some of them even drive old red pick-ups. They didn't ask for anything. However, following the saying of what comes around, goes around....they will be blessed by someone shortly.

The flat tire was a spiritual lesson in itself...but I'll save that for another posting. I just wanted to recognize and remind myself....and, hopefully you, that there are good people in the world willing to make a difference.....even with "just" a flat tire.

Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.