Traveling the Rock Road

It was shortly after my Lady and I moved to Indianapolis we were driving around the city getting a feel where things and places were. We came upon this old shopping center where now the only business there was a very large flea market. I occasionally enjoy wondering around these places seeing what I might find.

Some vendors are selling used objects; clothes, furniture, etc. kinda like a year-round indoor yard sale. Some sell novelty items such as pictures, music and such. Then there are the ones who are selling homemade items they’ve created. I like talking to the vendors, finding out a little bit about them. Some have very interesting stories to tell.

There was this one old woman I noticed sitting at a booth crocheting to pass time. She was peddling these bracelets made with special stones beneficial in numerous health matters–or so she told me. I really had no interest in her healing bracelets, but she was a sweet old gal so I stayed there a while talking to this dear ray of sunshine. Found out she was 86 years old and had been running a booth for 20 years. She wore a wedding ring so I asked about her husband. Sadly, her Beloved had passed away several years prior to her becoming a vendor. They had only a daughter and she was a stay-at-home mother while her husband was the sole bread winner. “We certainly weren’t rich” she explained. “But we made ends meet and had a happy life.” When he passed away this Dear One was left with little. No savings, no pension, and with only an SSI check once a month it was hard for her to make it. Her daughter wanted her to sell the house she had lived in most of her life and move in with her, but she wouldn’t; felt she would be a burden. Then it was her girl who came up with the idea of selling the healing bracelets. “Mom, you’ve been making those as a hobby for years and giving them to people. Why don’t you see if you can make some money selling them.” So, she made her way over to the flea market to get information on opening a booth. And the rest is history.

“That’s an amazing story!” I spoke. “So, you must do pretty fair selling.”  “No, not generally,” she responded. “I’m here ten hours a day, six days a week to make the money I need.” Now my heart sank into my stomach. At 86 years old this poor soul should be enjoying her golden years, getting together with friends and spoiling her grandchildren. Instead, she’s doing all she can just to survive. My face didn’t show it, but had I been alone I would have cried.

Still, I couldn’t help but notice the warm smile and cheerful attitude she never stopped showing. “Aw Sweetheart, I’m so sorry you have to go through this. If there was a way to make your life happier I would.” Now her smile left but only for a moment. It was as if she was processing all I said and how to respond. “Thank you, but actually I’m quite happy and enjoy my life. I have made friends here that are closer than family. Another vendor picks me up everyday and then takes me home so I don’t have to drive. The people around me check to see if I’m okay or if I need anything. My daughter lives nearby so she brings me lunch and stays to visit for a while. Often one of the grandchildren will come with her, and that brings me joy. So, you see, I don’t have it so bad. I may not be rich, but I have my health, my family, and friends that have become as close as family. I really love my life.”

Philippians 4:10-13 “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

I left my new friend that day with a smile and a chuckle. Mostly because when I found out about her circumstances, I wanted to do all I could to be an encouragement to her. But instead, just the opposite occurred; I came away blessed, encouraged, and motivated by the attitude of this dear one. And her attitude took me back to my childhood and the memory of my beloved Aunt Pearl who taught me to always be thankful for what you have, for many don’t even have that. Just imagine the world we live in if all of us possessed this gentle yet bold way of life. I dare say we’d be better off and extremely happier in our “Travels on the Rock Road.”

I bought four bracelets that afternoon and still wear one each day. When I look down at it on my wrist it reminds me of that sweet old gal, and also just how blessed I am, now and every day.

“Dear Lord, the world may not agree with me, but thank you for making me so rich and for making me aware of it and all your blessings!”

See ya next time.