As I gaze out my window overlooking the park, I realize what a mild autumn it has been. The leaves have been changing for quite some time, we have not had a freeze or even frost – yet the leaves are now sparse. The trees know it is time for change. Perhaps we, too, need a small change – just enough to see or try something new. Last Friday, a co-worker invited me to go across the parking lot of our office building to a church bazaar. At first I came up with a few reasons why I couldn’t go – like not wanting to take much time and needing to buy something quick for lunch since I hadn’t brought mine that day. Of course, she had an answer for both. They were serving quick lunches and I could leave whenever I wanted. Reluctantly I agreed to get out of my box. My first impression as I walked in was “what a bunch of junk.” My eye quickly caught sight of these huge decorative fans. Someone told me they were only a dollar and very “retro.” Then my eye caught an area of vintage clothing. Holly did her bit of shopping, then came to tell me she had already bought our lunch. I just needed to come and eat. We sat down at a table full of elderly people working the bazaar. Now mind you, I almost qualify for the senior citizen discount at McDonald’s so you get the picture when I say “elderly.” They quickly included us in the conversation, one funny line led to another. I don’t think I’ve laughed that much at lunch in years. As we got up to leave, I realized we had taken a little longer than normal for lunch that day, but I returned refreshed and probably more productive; and the Frito pie hit the spot!
Do you need to get out of your lunchbox? If so, beware, you might just return with five fans and an evening formal from the 1960’s, but the laughter will be well worth the trip!
“A happy heart makes the face cheerful …” Proverbs 15:13
There is nothing like taking a break from routine to do something new. Every time I’ve done it, I’m glad I did!