Friday, Nov. 21, 2008

Real Life

The notice came in the mail, sandwiched between the holiday catalogs arriving way-to-soon for me.

As I flipped through the bills and the catalogs, it slid out ominously: "Jury Notice."

I took a deep breath, hoping it would be for my husband.

It was not. Of course, I was to appear for Jury Duty in the midst of an already over-packed week.

I would have to break all my usual and comfortable routines to get there.

It would mean forgoing my workout, taking my son to school extra early and missing my journaling time in my quiet house.

It would mean I had to clear the day and cram all of my work into the remaining days.

It would mean I would probably not have a day off that week.

On my jury day, the traffic was heavy, and I was delayed so much I had to park in the closest parking garage to the courthouse. Parking there was $15 — so much for my juror fee!

I left my car, loaded down with all kinds of reading material for the day … no telling how long I would be trapped there.

I felt rushed, stressed, put out and irritated.

I think I was even muttering to myself about the injustice of the whole thing as I made my way down four flights of parking garage stairs and onto the street.

As I approached the corner and got ready to cross the street, there she was, a beautiful, large black woman with a gorgeous face and long, curly hair.

The waves of her hair glinted golden brown in the morning light. I noticed her white T-shirt had black letters on it.

We were only a couple of days past the election so I expected her shirt to say "Yes, We Can" or "Be the Change."

Instead the words on her shirt stopped me in my tracks and took my breath away.

The words reminded me of what I know, but always seem to forget. Her shirt said simply, "Too Blessed to be Stressed."

It was a five-word sermon on a shirt.

I am blessed to have a home and a car.

I’m blessed to have $15 to park in the parking garage when I’m late.

I’m blessed to have a family and a job. I’m blessed to get to write a newspaper column.

I’m blessed to have the privilege to vote and serve on a jury.

I’m blessed to be able to enjoy beautiful fall days.

I’m too blessed to be stressed, of course. Why didn’t I think of that?

Dr. Cindy Ryan is a pastor and writer. Contact her at dr.cindy.ryan@tx.rr.com.