On occasion, the church service I attend includes a symbol to take home with you. It can be a small stone, or a quote on a card. When John is the minister sometimes I am the one who felts fifty angels, or folds a herd of paper horses.
A couple of weeks back I sat with Benjamin in the congregation and the gift was a jewel. A young boy carried the treasure box around to each person so that they could pick the color. Being cognizant of keeping others waiting, I just took the closest one.
Not Benjamin. He considered each one thoughtfully for what felt
like a long time. It was probably less than a minute, yet I wanted him to just take one and be done. Eventually he did.
But then there was receiver's remorse. He stood up and went after the boy with the box, and traded it in for a clear one. I was a tiny bit embarrassed, and yet this congregation knows him. He is accepted for who he is. I saw a woman smile to
witness him taking this decision seriously.
The jewel is by his computer, where he can see it every day. I wonder what it means to him. Ben values symbols, and often makes lists of them. Like this one.
DQ Blizzards and Little Debbie snacks – KINDNESS — children selling cookies, compassionate children
Royal shield – BRAVERY — firefighters, knights, soldiers
Fuel truck – STRENGTH — giants, cargo/transportation vehicles
Moped – SPEED — racers, emergency vehicles
Bananas – HUMOR — clowns, jesters
Hot tub – WARMTH — campfires
Pillows – SOFTNESS — teddy bears, stuffed animals
Trophy – PROUDNESS — graduates,
Dog collar – LOYALTY — pets
Swing and pipe organ - HAPPINESS
Frozen treats - COMPASSION
Weeping willow and castle dungeon - SADNESS
Box of crayons - CREATIVITY
Balance scale - FAIRNESS
Crown, scepter and goblet - LEADERSHIP
Medals - CHAMPIONSHIP
Crosses - TRUTH
Altars - WISDOM
Pizza, juice, chips, soda, milk and popcorn - ACHIEVEMENTS
Peace signs - HARMONY
Benjamin has expanded my awareness of what a meaningful life looks like.
I am glad I get to take him home with me.