Who Are You When No One Is Looking?
While we were eating lunch after church Lori asked me if we could stop by the Pumpkin Patch to take pictures. This is Lori's favorite time of the year - pumpkins, hay, scarecrows - and the kids are in their church clothes - seems reasonable. (That is if we didn't have a baby shower @ 2:00, church, and Trunk or Treat that night.) But being the fine husband that I am I think I said, "Whatever makes you happy my dearest sweetheart."
Taking pictures was a little difficult. KTBS was there with cameras filming a spot for the news. While Lori positioned the kids for the pictures I looked at my watch. I thought this is going to take longer than we planned. Lori realizing what a wonderful and patient husband that I am encouraged me that it would not be long. She added, "Besides the pictures will be worth it." I guess my gift is endurance. The Bible calls it long suffering.
My gift of generosity was challenged when I noticed the price of the pumpkins. I thought that they must have magic seeds in them to go at that price. Who in the world would pay that much for a pumpkin? Again Lori, proud of my steadfast generous spirit, whispered, "All the money goes to local charities."
When KTBS finished their news report the cameraman approached me and asked if I could do him a favor. I don't know if he noticed all my persevering qualities or if he just noticed that I have a face for TV. Well he asked me if I could pick up a pumpkin and walk it to the counter as if I were making a purchase. I smiled as I assured him I was the man for the job. I was perfect. I picked up the biggest pumpkin and put it on the counter as the little girl said that will be $9.00. Nine dollars! For a pumpkin! However, while the camera rolled I reached in my pocket and smiled as I paid for it.
As I watched the news that night I wondered if the camera caught the expression on my face when I heard the price. It didn't. The cameraman had accidentally cut my head out of the picture! It was only fair, because I seemed to be a different person in front of a camera. Remember it is a gift!
November 1, 2006