"The last time I saw him he was walking down lover's lane holding his own hand." - Fred Allen

Things I don't understand:

• Making your living cleaning other people's feet and painting their toenails. (No editorial judgment, I just can't fathom it.)
• Not paying attention to the color of the stoplight. You know it's going to go green, and the people behind you are at your mercy. Common decency, folks.
• The "tip" line on the receipt when you order at the counter AND pick up your own food. If you suddenly get surely when you see I haven't written anything there (and I won't) you only feed my ill will.
• People who talk to their pets as though they were adorable 2-year olds. It's a DOG. (OK, it may in fact be an overgrown rat.)

Last night I got everything set up - walls and floor covered, all the supplies set out - and this morning I painted. I had about six body pieces that were still bare metal and they got sprayed with a 3-part epoxy coating that serves to seal against rust and provide a base for the color coats. It went smoothly except for the part where my activator didn't activate like it's supposed to. This stuff is supposed to "flash" - go from glossy black to dull as it sets up - in 15 -20 minutes and it took almost an hour instead. Part of that may have been that the epoxy has been sitting in its closed can for several months, or that the temp was in the upper-60's instead of the mid-90's like last time I did this. Either way, it's cured now, and may continue to harden overnight. 

Sometimes I listen to my stomach and am disappointed in what I hear. 

I'm not nearly as good as I pretend to be.

But when that happens I try to push through to what I know is better, more mature, more Christ-like.

Emily and her daughter Eloise attended Pathway back in the beginning while her husband was deployed. (When he returned they got transferred to another base.) Eloise was born with multiple physical and mental handicaps, and it was obvious the moment you saw her. It took me too long to feel comfortable looking at Eloise. I eventually came to see that girl for the unique part of God's creation that she was, to be in awe of Emily's deep love for her daughter, and to value the higher level of compassion they challenged me to reach. 

I look back on the privilege of presiding at Eloise's funeral as one of the rich experiences of my life. 

I don't know Easton. His grandparents were part of my congregation in Michigan (they still attend) and I had his then-single dad as a freshman when I taught at the college. I think I met Easton's mom at some point, but Pam knows her because they both worked at the same department store when Pam was a seamstress and mom was working her way through college. (Sorry, I don't even remember her name.) 

I think Easton is about 4 years old. He, too, was born with very obvious physical problems (I don't know if he has cognitive issues as well). I've seen his picture many times on Facebook. Based on their comments the people who know him from church all have nothing but a strong attachment to the kid. 

Confession: I find it difficult to look at Easton's pictures.

His "before" pictures.

Easton had surgery earlier this week at a Children's Hospital in Florida, apparently one of the few places set up to do this kind of extensive cranial reconstruction. I've followed the frequent updates on Facebook with great interest and concern. While I've never met Easton I know the grandparents and several of the extended family well - really good people - and I want nothing but the best for them. And for Easton.

While his recovery is still extremely delicate, with daily events that must drive mom & dad to tears, and while there will be follow-up surgeries, it looks like Easton is going to be OK. By everything I've read he's a strong little guy who has a brave heart and that's serving him well.

I have some pictures of Easton I've pulled off Facebook.

I need to look. It makes me better than I am otherwise, teaches me to see with God's eyes, not mine. 

You?

Easton before his surgery

 

Easton, aka Superman, walking down the hall on his way to be prepped for his operation

Easton a day or two after his surgery. He has lots of swelling, and more will be done, but his eyes have gone from 65mm apart to 32mm. 

Thank you, Easton, for teaching me.