NorthStar Community Daily Devotional

April 24

A series of collaborative works with my mother-in-law, who died three weeks ago…

Scripture focus: How can I stand up before God and show proper respect to the high God? Should I bring an armload of offerings topped off with yearling calves? Would God be impressed with thousands of rams, with buckets and barrels of olive oil? Would he be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn child, my precious baby, to cancel my sin? But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don't take yourself too seriously— take God seriously. Micah 6:6-8 The Message

It helps to have a sense of humor if you want to get along with others. Marion’s sense of humor was legendary. Once we went to UVA for a football game and Marion had to “go.” Pete took us into the engineering school, a building he had spent many hours in as a student. But these were the “good old days” and we women had barely made a dent into the school of good old boys. In short – we couldn’t find a women’s restroom. So Pete went into one of the men’s, checked it out and gave us the all clear sign. This wasn’t a big room. Three stalls were available for selection, and Marion chose the middle one, which for some reason, had a door that was reluctant to open. But the woman had to go, and she thought this was the best stall. She pushed on the door, while peering through the crack (aggressively and for longer than necessary) – low and behold, that Pete had made a careless inspection. Some guy was already “going” in Marion’s designated stall!

She turned to me and signaled to flee. “There’s someone in the bathroom!” She was laughing hysterically.

“Oh my gosh! What are we going to do?” I did not think this was that funny.

“Hide!” Dragging me by the arm, she looked to the left and right, noticing a small alcove not far from the restroom, tucked in under some steps. (Later she tells me that her need to “go” precluded a direct exit of the building – which was my idea.) “Shush!” She covers her mouth and jiggles silently in amusement. We have no clue where Pete is – probably watching the dang football game.

Soon, we hear the creak as the outer bathroom door opens, accompanied by the sound of footsteps…growing louder by the minute. Imagine the odds, this guy not only needed to go potty but also needed junk food! He rounded the corner, with change in hand, walked calmly to the vending machine and made his selection. We stood in plain view, huddled together like school girls, frozen in embarrassment. He bought his crackers and diet coke as if we were covered by a cloak of invisibility. I guess once a woman has seen you with your pants dropped, what else is there to fret over?

He left and Marion re-entered the bathroom to take care of business. I decided nothing would get me back in that bathroom. Eventually we found that coward Pete, who didn’t seem to think any of this was his responsibility. Marion told and retold the story of our grand adventure. She knew something that I did not – in families, there will be times of sadness, laugh while you can.

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