Bound by Faith

Not too long ago, following an appointment with one of my various physicians, I was handed a prescription with the instruction that I take it to the first floor lab for "blood work" and a chest x-ray. When I reached the lab/radiology waiting room, I checked in and dutifully took my seat. Pretty soon my name was called and I was ushered into a small room where I was to offer up a blood sample. The first thing that the lab tech said to me, with a big smile and a twinkle in her eye as she swept her arm to the right was, "Please take a seat in the victim's chair". Right away I knew that she was my kind of gal. As I put my arm on the little chair extension provided for that purpose and as the lab tech put the elastic strap around my upper arm, her glance fell towards the cross that I wore hanging from my neck. This particular cross was made out of three nails bound together with wire given to me by an Episcopal priest when I served with him on a Cursillo weekend.

The lab tech paused and said how beautiful my cross was and asked if she could touch it. Of course, I said yes. She bent over and held it and then exclaimed, "It's made out of nails!"

I said, "Yes, it is".

"Do you know the significance of that!" she exclaimed.

"Yes, I think I do - at least as much as my mind can grasp." I replied.

The lab tech then stepped back and said, "Wow, I haven't even drawn your blood yet!" It was then that I glanced up and saw that her eyes had become misted, to the point of tears.

As I got up to leave the small room I asked if I could have a hug. She said, "Oh, yes! You have made my day!" But she knew and I knew that by the simple touching of my cross, the Christ in me had met the Christ in her and we were bound together in the body of Christ. No need to even exchange names.

Isn't it a shame that we are somehow conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments; but truly great moments often catch us unaware - beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one. Not me. At least not any more and, in fact, not for a long time.

Cranny Boensch 12/2011

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