During this most trying and uncertain time, I began to notice a pattern of people treating us with unique kindness.   “G-d bless you!”  Said the bright red headed cashier at the local market as I checked out.

“G-d bless YOU!” I responded.  

“Thank you for coming.   I really appreciate your business.”  Said the manager of the local Dollar General…

“Rabbi, whatever water you need, just come fill up your tanks any time.” Said Martain, the owner of Good Times Marina.

For all I know, these people were always kind to me before, perhaps this is how they are to every one.   But for some reason, at a time where we were all at the verge of giving up, their kindness became very noticeable; as if some one turned up the volume so we could hear what was being sung all along.

At this time, Captain and I were invited to an interesting conference.  It was put on by a brother Gordon.  He felt strongly lead to invite people from very different theologic backgrounds, but with a like Spirit.   There was no program set.  The floor was opened for anyone to share as they were lead.   I would normally be pretty excited to hear and share in that setting, but I was not in a good place, and I went pretty much to keep Captain company.

We arrived after a ten hour blue grass honky tonk ride, and by this time I couldn’t even act as if I was interested in some old conference.  I was just tagging along.  At least back in the hotel room there was great wifi. 

Outside the building there were several Amish children playing.   We double checked the address.   This was the place.   A man opened the door as we approached.  “Is this he’a the Kingdom come conference that Brother Gordon put together?” Asked Captain.

“This is It!   Welcome…” The man answered.  Then he looked at me and stopped.  “Whoa…! Brother… the Anointing is all over you…  I’m sorry, I just couldn’t help myself.  Wow…”

“Well, there you have it; Baruch HaShem” (blessed be His Name). I answered.  What ever he was seeing, I sure wasn’t feeling.

I walked around a little, then looked for a place to sit.  I recognized some Amish, but the rest of the folks, I had no idea what their deal was.  As I went to sit, the chair was pulled back for me.   I looked.   It was the guy we met at the front door.   “There you go.  Can I get you some coffee?” He asked.

“Actually I’m ok for now.   Thanks.” I responded.

“Ok… Hope you don’t mind, but I’ll be serving you while you are here.   I don’t want to bother you, so at least as I’m serving you I can be near that anointing that is all over you.” He answered.

“Well, there you have it; Baruch HaShem.”

There were various groups sharing in conversation, but I really didn’t care to participate, so I decided to play a game on my iPad.   Another man sat near me and introduced himself.  “I’m Jerry, and you are?”   He then asked what I was working on for the Kingdom.   I told him a little about Haiti, and apologized for not sounding all that enthusiastic, due to what we had just gone through.

The anointing guy just sat there listening with a big smile, waiting to see if I needed anything.

“Brothers!…” Announced Jerry with a loud voice,  “…I’m sure what you’re sharing is wonderful, but we really need to hear this brother out and see if there is anything we can do to help.”

“Awkward…” I thought.   The room went silent with people waiting to hear what I had to say so they could return to their conversations.

“Here!” Jerry took me to a table with a large group of people.  “Sit here and tell them what you told me.”

This was one of those “if I could find a hole” moments, but there was no hole, so I shared.

To be continued