Tag Archives: Sunday

Pay attention!

A quiet and hot California Sunday.  I have to force myself to get up this morning and make the long drive, but I’m glad I do. After all – man does not live by bread alone. Before I enter church, I stop in at the pre-school building, whose front door is open. The pastor’s wife and one of her daughters are pasting jellyfish made out of paper plates and tissue paper up on the ceiling. Lobsters and crabs made from kids handprints and footprints decorate the walls. A maritime theme! We briefly chat about the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the jellyfish providing the cue. It’s been so long since I have been there I  think and sigh.

The doors of the church have been kept shut for the past few days, so the sanctuary is pleasantly cool inside. It is a sparsely attended service. No surprise, it’s vacation time. The sermon today is about the parable of the sower. I have always liked it, and it is always a good reminder for me.

Half a BBQ chicken, a loaf of bread, and some cheese acquired from the supermarket afterwards, I then drive home and walk up to the apartment, where a sharp rebuke is issued to me by a hummingbird hovering near the feeder, which hangs close to the door.

I believe the context of the distinctly one-sided conversation may be interpreted as follows: “So, Sunday is the day of rest, huh? What about my feeder? Ten percent full! See! I might add the nectar is a bit stale too, and I do notice all the goodies you bought for yourself. So, if you don’t mind, kindly clean, and then refill my feeder, thank you very much”.

Right away, Ms. or Mr. hummingbird, and please do accept my sincere apologies for the oversight!

Quiet Sunday

20140525-111131-40291749.jpgSuch a contrast: last Sunday, I was still driving on a freeway in California to attend Service, surrounded by speeders going who knows where in their silly hurry. A bit jet lagged, having arrived a few days ago in Germany, I am slowly acclimating. It’s great to see my brothers after two long years. This morning, as yellow smiling buttercups greeted me, I made my way to one of the small villages in Haunetal to my favorite little church. Just a few cars on the road, otherwise, wonderful peace everywhere. The ringing of the church bells could be heard in the distance, as I entered the small village with its half-timbered houses. An idyllic Sunday morning. Some large red unfolded poppies caught my eye — a sure sign of summer, and a few people from the village walking to church. I closed my eyes in the bright sun, soaking in the early morning and happy to go to Service. Thank you God for this beautiful day.