By Wolfgang Mitzvot
I was hankering for a chicken fried steak breakfast, so I went down to my local Elmers. As I was eating my breakfast, an elderly couple (I’m guessing mid-eighties), was seated next to me. As breakfast continued, I heard the gentleman say to the server that he did not like cell phones or any kind of “new-fangled” technology (his words, not mine). I chimed in and said that I wish they had stopped at the flip phone era and could not wait till I was retired to get rid of my iPhone. They appreciated my comment.
A few minutes later I asked if they lived around the area. They said yes, adding that they live by a local golf course. I half-jokingly asked if they played golf there. They chuckled and said no, they don’t get out much. I asked why. The wife mentioned that she hurt her back – she was seated in a walker-type chair at the table. The husband pointed to his cane and said he was tied to that and couldn’t do much.
I try to have a heart posture of eyes to see and ears to hear so I asked if they belonged to a community organization or if they had any religious affiliation. They said yes. They belong to a Catholic church. I told them I knew of that church and enjoyed going to their Christmas Eve services, highlighting that there is something special about the joyful, solemn and peaceful atmosphere the night before Christmas. They asked if I was Catholic. I said no, I’m Jewish. That got their eyes moving! (while technically true, I’m actually a Messianic Jew).
I asked if they attend regular Sunday mass. They said no, because of the difficulty walking for both. They don’t go to church much. I asked if there was anyone there who would help them. They said they were sure there would be someone. So, I encouraged them to go. I said, isn’t there a scripture that says, “Do not forsake the fellowship of others”? They nodded in agreement. I said, I think God wants us to meet with others so that we can be a blessing to them and they to us. I then went on to say that with their age (then guessed them to be born around 1940’s – I was right), younger couples and families would be blessed by their life wisdom and by sharing that wisdom. They, too, would be blessed and feel valued. They really lit up at that point.
I added one more exhortation for them to initiate contact with fellow Catholics. After attending the Mass, they should find a younger couple or family and invite them out to lunch. I told them to be bold and courageous (a nice little link to the Book of Jeremiah) and see what God could do at this stage in their lives. I finished my breakfast, took my last swig of coffee, and said my farewell. They said they hoped to meet me at breakfast again. I said, I hope so too.
As much as I like my chicken fried steak, I like meaningful connections even more. They feed my soul. In fact, I enjoy striking up conversations and building relational bridges with people from all walks of life. The same goes for hanging out in hot tubs. But I will save that for another occasion.
You may contact Wolfgang Mitzvot at wolfgangmitzvot@gmail.com.