Forehead Kisses

So today I was working out east at a farm in my role as a Crisis Counselor during their Fall festival. It was a beautiful day with lovely vendors and a joy filled atmosphere. As I sauntered from vendor table to patron I casually checked in on how every person was doing. I specifically inquired on if any support was needed since the impact of COVID. Some questions were met with lowered eyes and auto generated responses of being fine, as they scurried away. Others stopped, really listened to the question and seized the opportunity to talk to a Crisis Counselor and unload the residue of this last year and a half. I listened, offered support if prompted and hoped that our conversation had provided some pressure relief within the pandemic valve. During one of my conversations with a wreath vendor, she stopped midsentence took one of her large wreaths and gave it to me while saying, "Here take this." As I refused she insisted and said, " No please take it you are doing the work of Jesus." The wreath has brown and white ribbons the same colors as my house. I had previously commented on how I could relate to the quote. There was another vendor I wanted to purchase nail polish strips from however, my phone died and I couldn't access PayPal. She asked me if I was a vendor and I shared I'm a Crisis Counselor and working as a FEMA & OMH funded mental health support during the pandemic. She proceeds to turn and say, "Here take the nail polish strips, for the work you are doing please take it." I'm stunned and sheepishly I received the second gift. As I get ready to leave, I look for the coordinator of the farm. I've been thinking about her for two weeks because that was the last time I was there and I bought a bouquet of sunflowers and forgot to take them home. I was hoping she remembered and would allow me to get another bouquet without having to pay again. I spot her among the produce flanked with people in the midst of multiple conversations. Our eyes make contact and I begin to mention the sunflowers I bought two weeks ago. She says to me over the voices of the crowd, "Go get another bouquet, the ones you left I took to my son's grave. Thank you." I was stunned and kinda sorta mouthed some gibberish appreciation and as I picked up the new bundle of sunflowers and walk to my car. I don't know why but I start to cry. Was it because the coordinator looked my age or younger and she said my son and grave in the same sentence? Or maybe it was because I thought about how when you do what the Lord asks you to do He takes your face and cups it in his hands and then pulls us in real close with what may feel like a random hug and then seals it with forehead kisses. He knows that often as we try to offer hope for those struggling to stay above water, we often need our own life preserve jacket. I didn't "preach" today. Nor was my faith ever pushed or even mentioned. He just asks for us to show up for others and He in turn always, ALWAYS, shows up for us. 10/2/21

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