Poppies on the Porch

             I guess anyone from about 30 years on that changes decades becomes reflective.  During my resent musings a sharp memory came back to me.  It was a memory of May Day in about 1978.  My idea of May Day at that time was not filled with anarchists demonstrating, but of May poles and giving flowers anonymously.  The latter was what I attempted this fateful day.

              I had purposed, with the dedication of a six year old, to do something wonderful for my neighbors.  I potted a beautiful poppy that had been growing wild in a ceramic pot.  With great expectations, I walked my dear poppy over to our neighbor’s house across the street.  I set the pot down carefully and rang the doorbell.  I had been told that you had to hide so that no one would know who gave the flowers.  So I hid in a bush near by the house and awaited the squeals of delight I was sure to hear.  Instead, I heard the pot get knocked over by the opening of the door and an old man cursing whoever put it there.  Frightened, I was immobilized.  I waited until he cleaned it up, remaining painfully silent the whole time.  Then I ran home.  I probably cried.  I don’t remember that part clearly. 

              Why would I recall such a painful childhood memory on a happy day?  I guess it comes as a reminder to me of the lasting affects a few words may have.  My neighbor could have just been having a bad day and this was the proverbial last straw.  (Actually, if this be so, he was always running out of straws!)  However, his reaction has stayed with me.  This reminds me that we don’t get a second chance to say and act the right way.  We may be forgiven, but the damage has been done.  We always need to be on guard to be sure that the words we say are not damaging to others.  What if this was the nicest man ever, but he just had a bad moment?  I would still have been very hurt by his words shouted in response to my attempted kindness. 

               Unfortunately, we don’t get “days off”.  We always need to be careful.  This is a tall order, only possible by God’s grace.  If we are more aware of the standards He holds for us…

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  -Ephesians 4:29

 two important things will happen.  One, we will be drawn back to him frequently throughout our day to ask for help.  Two, we will experience humility that we all need to experience to see our sin and God’s grace.  These two things will result in His glory.

              What about the man who left such a lasting impression on that six year old?  Well, he died recently in the home of his gracious ex-wife.  He was shown mercy by many.  I hope he received God’s gracious gift of salvation and that we can celebrate it together in heaven some day.