...unknown caller...

In his recent post "Best Phone Call Ever", Mark Borgetti refers to taking a call from a number he didn't recognize.  It turned out to be an unexpected surprise.  My phone lists them as "unknown caller" which usually causes a reaction similar to a gag reflex.  The timing of Mark's blog couldn't be more perfect as I was asked (and accepted somewhat nervously) to lead a devotion at the women's Growth Group this Tuesday on "the Woman at the Well".

One of my "learnings" from this John 4 story is how Jesus stopped for an unknown caller, the Samaritan woman, when most would not even consider such an action.

Who are the unknown callers in your life?  Is it the co-worker that you know in name only and exchange a nod the first time (and only the first time) you approach them in the hall.  Or is it the neighbor who's husband is out of town when 4 inches of snow (that heavy wet stuff) is deposited on the driveway.  Or maybe the person at the Redbox that is having trouble getting the machine to spit out a $1 DVD.

Are these some of your "unknown callers" ?  Why are they on the end of the line at that exact moment?  Is HE trying to make a connection? 

Rrrrrriiiiiiiinnnnnnggggggg!

...a degree in grocery...

Since I retired in May, I find myself with more time on my hands to broaden my horizons.  That coupled with an urge (guilt) to contribute more around the house drove me to the decision to take over the grocery shopping.  Heck, how hard can it be to swing by Jewel for food, drink and other supplies. Boy, do I have a lot to learn.  My first few months have exposed me to some interesting learnings:

1.       Shopping begins at home – I have to have a list.  Your mind works great when you are looking at the fridge or cupboards, then freezes-up like a Naperville January when you’re rolling down the aisles.  Oh, I regain my steel trap memory the minute I set foot in the house.

2.       Getting a basket – Come on, a baskets a basket.  They all seem to have some interesting thing going on with one of the wheels.  I’ve learned to be ok with any type of noise as long as they can steer in the general direction I point them.  I initially enjoyed using the little “shelf” to place my wallet, list, pen (which I often hold in my mouth) and of course my tender vegetables.  Then I saw a TV special that did a swab test and found my little shelf had as much bacteria growing as a toilet lid.  I never would have thought parents might put their diapered kids there.  Care for a carrot?

3.       Pricing – I’m sure Jewel has a cross promotion going on with the Neuqua High School math department.  Every stop is like a different question on the SAT test.  They usually list the standard price and cost per oz (good idea), but then they add these different twists just to entertain you. 
- There is often a Jewel preferred card price (which they will usually give you if you look lost which I usually qualify for).
- then you have the “fers” 2 fer $5.55, 3 fer $8.88 or 4 fer $11.00.  These all require some ciphering.  They’ll even post a special “1 free if you buy 4” offer just to add a layer for you.  Oh, you don’t have to buy any certain quantity; the discount is good if you buy just one.
- Buy one get one free is an old school approach.  Don’t make the mistake of buying just one and expecting the discount, you got to take 2
- coupons, I’m not even going to go there
  I’m sure the employees take their breaks in front of the security  cameras watching their patrons doing math equations with calculators, fingers and toes.

4.       Aisle chaos – It’s worse out there than Rome at rush hour.  It chaos.  It’s out of control!  There are no rules, so anything is fair.  I’ve had to learn the hard way that the center of the aisle is only the passing lane and leaving the cart in the middle as you grab something will gain you a few stares and “accidental” cart bumps.  Be careful leaving an aisle and making the turn to the next one, it’s like making a left hand turn onto Naper/Plainfield from Bailey road.  You’ve got to peek out, then floor it.

5.       Check out – This is when I realize that I left my “green” reusable shopping bags in my trunk.  Drat, foiled again.  You always want to give them your Preferred Card to scan as I found out the hard way that the store’ / employee’s version doesn’t give you all of the discounts and you would probably never know.  They always seem to have the gum, candy, mags and assorted stuff that I forgot while shopping.  What a coincidence.

I’m going to get my degree.  As Henry Ford said “if you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing…you’re right”.

...why do I use my body for advertising...?

…people use their bodies to advertise. I'm not talking like the guy on the corner in the "King" or "Hamburglar" costume. I'm talking about the average Joe, you and me.

…a glance at my closet reads like a series of 30 second commercials. Between my shirts, hoodies and hats, I cover the wares of many of the stores on Route 59 (a street I avoid at all cost because of my dislike for traffic lights.) I'm willing to give free shout-outs to the Chargers, Padres, Aztecs, USC, Purdue, McDonald's, Guinness, the MMA, Xyience, Habitat for Humanity, Kiva and Feed My Starving Children. There is proof (if a piece of clothing suffices) that I've been to Hawaii, London, Oklahoma (don't ask), Israel, Los Angeles, Greece, and Orlando to name a few.

…in the last couple of years I've added Jesus, the cross, Iron Sharpens Iron, Good Shepherd Church, Mens CRHP 21 (pronounce "chirp") and Dodgin' 4 Dough...but it does feel kinda weird. Why? Certainly Jesus is as important to me as the Padres (they came in last place.) God means more to me than Guinness beer (I'm required to go the light route as my metabolism slows to a near stop.) The cross and what it represents is so much more powerful than the Oklahoma Electric Company.

...but I feel a bit leery when I decide to wear any of my Christian garb. What if people think I'm some kind of Jesus freak (I know I am.) What if someone asks me a tough question like "Is Gandhi going to Hell"? What if a non-Christian feels offended (like wearing a Sox cap to a Cub’s game.)

…i want to be bold. I want to share the joy I've gotten from my relationship with Jesus. I want to be asked the tough questions, and believe listening to the question is just as valuable (if not more) then having a great answer. I want to be a willing lump of clay in the Master’s hands...and advertise to that effect.

...I'm not going to get rid of all my other 30 second spots...it's nice to relate to other "fans". I do want friends to know that I am a fan of Christ, His grace and how cool the "fish" looks on a baseball cap.

…thank goodness we don't give free press on cups, mugs and car bumpers...