My Religious Experience for the Year

I excitedly prepared for my interview. Pink beaded cardigan, khaki pants, extra mascara, pearls on the ears and on the neck. I zipped down Farm Road 141 and finally arrived right on time at my destination: Cox South Hospital. The interview went well, and to my delight I was accepted into Cox's Cuddle Therapist program. As a Cuddle Therapist I'd get to hold babies in the NICU to aid their development with human contact (studies have proven that underdeveloped infants develop better with consistent human interaction).

As I walked into the main lobby of the hospital, I felt as if I were watching the storm from the Wizard of Oz. I looked out the glass doors of the hospital, and all I could see were leaves, impaled by sheets of rain, thrown about by strong gusts of wind. The rain blowing horizontally gave the atmosphere a greenish tint, the one associated with tornadoes. It appeared as if Springfield was in the middle of a cyclone. I took one look at the mess outside and called my mother- letting her know I'd wait out the storm at the hospital. I settled myself into a chair in the lobby, positioned perfectly to observe the strengthening storm.

The rain seemed to wane as the hail began to pound wrathfully. Cars were dented, windows broken. A woman coming into the hospital from the parking lot at that inopportune moment was struck repeatedly. She came inside sobbing.

A few minutes later, as the fury of the storm was beginning to subside, a queer old man approached me. He was tall, around 6 foot, with a feathery brown, unkempt mustache/beard. His  old gray t shirt rested on a protruding stomach. He was unremarkable, to say the least, but undoubtedly benign. He peered into my face for a few seconds before questioning "Are you all right?" I nodded and explained that I hadn't been out in the storm yet, but would leave in a few minutes. "Do you pray?" he inquired further. Now, in general, the answer to this question would be a resounding "no." But, as I didn't want to offend any strangers, nor did I want to pass up any opportunity for luck or karma in the future, I affably answered "Sure!"

He offered his hand to me. I laid my hand in his as we bowed our heads. "Dear Lord, while we don't know what you have in store for us today, we accept it. We know that you have a plan for us and that you will not hurt us. Please protect this wonderful woman of yours, God. Amen."

This complete stranger had gone out of his way to ask for my protection. The love I felt was overwhelming. "Amen." I echoed.

I walked outside into the storm mere minutes later. As I trudged across the parking lot to my car, it was as if I couldn't feel the rain at all, as if it didn't even touch me.... The kindness of the stranger protected me.

When I walked into my house that night I found myself a little more pleasant: I laughed more, bragged less, and hugged longer. The man's kindness had permeated my soul, and found a permanent resting spot deep within.