You Used to Really be Good Looking!
Recently my life was sidetracked by something that was out of my control, but looking on the humorous side of such — of which I’m sure many will say there is none — has caused me to blurt out into the open words I thought I would never resurrect from my 50th high school reunion, the reunion itself having faded into the past. I’ve still not come up with a reasonable response to the words of the girl (more accurately “old lady”) who nearly ran into me at mid-floor of the casino after I had just paid my fee, signed in, and had my name and senior year photo pinned to my shirt. She looked me squarely in the face and said the exact words you see above: Sim, you used to really be good looking!
It was a Startling Moment for Me for Three Reasons
One, I had no idea who the lady was. Her name and senior class photo pinned to her blouse didn’t help at all. I did not remember her. Our high school was big and our classes were large. To me she was a perfect stranger. Two, she seemed she was on a mission. Her countenance was such that it could be argued her whole purpose in attending the reunion was to find me and make that statement. I was like a deer caught in headlights. I’m sure I said something but don’t remember what. (What would you say?) Three, I never was aware anybody thought I was good looking. To begin with I’ve only thought girls were good looking. Men are common stock. I started to say “Thanks!” but the word didn’t seem to fit. (Later, I did think maybe I should have expressed anger — anger that she didn’t tell me earlier. After all, it could have changed my self-image, my self-esteem, my whole destiny!) (Smile.)
What Triggered This Bizarre Reflection about My Appearance?
Oddly, this flashback from earlier years is among the first things that came across my mind when I awoke from the anesthesia. It came with the question I asked myself, “I wonder what I look like now?” As I had “slept” under the surgeon’s scalpel a bone section of my jaw had been replaced with a metal plate to rid me of a gum cancer, and such demanded that they mess with my whole face, hopefully putting everything back where they found it when they finished. The “hopefully” part is what had my curiosity big time. The fact that until that moment I hadn’t been brought to think categorically about my general appearance since my high school reunion was a big factor. It told me I was facing new and unfamiliar territory and that life would never quite be the same. That’s when the big contradiction hit.
Prayer and the 23rd Psalm = Dilemma
I tried to pray but I couldn’t. I did not feel God near. Yet, I felt maybe more in need of prayer than ever I have felt — as though I was walking alone through a dark valley. Yet, no word of prayer arose from within.
Where was the promise of our most beloved Psalm? Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (v.4). Then suddenly something else from the past — a memory that spoke directly to my need. I’m sure it came from the Shepherd who holds the rod and staff.
James, Joyce, and Just Plain Trust
James Dobson is a renowned Christian psychologist from whom I have learned much through the years. Joyce Landorf was a prolific writer and insightful speaker. But at one point in Joyce’s life she faced a very difficult and challenging moment. Dobson, who was associated with Landorf in many Christian venues, wrote her a brief note that went something like this: Joyce, don’t try to pray. Rest in God. He has called upon us to do all the praying. Just trust Him. That’s when it struck me how many people had told me they were praying for me and that’s when the 23rd Psalm kicked in. How blessed I am for all those prayers!
Faith and Feelings
The 23rd Psalm has nothing to do with feeling the Shepherd’s presence but it has everything to do with knowing He is on duty. The rod and staff don’t comfort directly. They are in fact clubs of force used for punishment and authority to keep evil at bay. Our comfort comes from trusting the skillful hands that hold them. Our need is to be confident that the He who made us, knows our name, and knows our needs is on duty day and night regardless of our feelings. To rest in His unseen unfelt hands is our greatest need.
We are Grateful
Mimi and I both are grateful to God and for the prayers of so many. And as we in this photo leave the hospital from one of my last follow-up visits “Great is Thy Faithfulness” is foremost in our hearts.
