Hero, June 5th

As you can probably tell, I’m not doing these in any particular order. Will I hit on everyone important in my life? Probably pretty close. But if you think you ought to be here and you’re not, well just be patient.

There’s a lady from our church I think about quite often nowadays. She seemed older 20 years ago when I was going through Sunday School, certainly she was a few of my classmates’ grandmother, so of course that is the magic formula for age in a young kid’s mind. Now, though, she doesn’t seem old to me. It seems like time has stopped and she’s just hanging in there, the same age as she ever was. Denial. Her name is Onita, and she’s in her 80s. I’ve never seen her angry. Occasionally she might seem frustrated, but she is the kind of Christian that most younger ones should strive to be. The kind that turns the other cheek and always puts others first. The kind that visits with everyone and sends cards or letters to see how someone is doing. The kind that volunteers when she should be sitting somewhere, rocking and knitting, drowsing contentedly instead of spritely up tending to the flock. The kind that makes awesome Angel Food Cake. What? You didn’t think food was going to enter into it somehow? We’re Methodists for goodness sake. One thing a Methodist loves is their potlucks. She’s always good for an angel food cake. One time recently I asked her for her recipe. I think I’ll send her a card soon and and ask her for it the old fashioned way. I’m not sure anyone else will ever think to, and that church table, groaning with food, will not be the same without Onita’s angel food cake. I remember one time she told me that the Bethlehem star would be out, shining brightly at a certain time and it wouldn’t be back for so many years. I went out to look, saw a bright star, and just felt at one and at peace with the world. I don’t think I can ever forget that. Was it really the Bethlehem star? Does it matter if it puts your heart at peace? Thanks, Onita for the blessings you have given to so many.

2 Comments

  1. Valerie

    I agree, everyone who has the fortune of meeting Onita is a little bit better off. She is a truly sweet person.

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