Monday, June 16, 2008

697. Malach

I don't believe in angels, but am slowly being convinced.

It had been a long week. Very often I'll reward myself for making it to Friday by going out to a big, late lunch, but it was very hot; I didn't have much of an appetite, and ate a little sandwich instead. A friend and I planned to have dinner, but she wasn't feeling well and cancelled later in the afternoon. So I looked forward to coming home by myself to some great Shabbat-style takeout Chinese. I knew I'd be starving by then.

On my way out of the synagogue, I ran into an acquaintance in the crowd. We usually exchange little more than a hello. But this time she stopped me:

"You're going to have a great feast now, right?'

"Well, hopefully somewhere," I said. She looked surprised.

"Aren't you going to L.s' for dinner?" she said. "I plan to stop by a little later."

"Um, I don't think so?" I answered... and then remembered. I was invited a month ago. I forgot to put it in my book.

"Oh my god," I said, "Thank you for reminding me. I totally spaced that it was tonight." She gave me a look that I was certain screamed, are you crazy? how could you DO such a thing, forget a Shabbat invitation? (But I'm sure that was just my conscience yelling back.)

I continued to thank her profusely (and this time I'm certain I sounded a little nuts), and then remembered to ask for L'.s address--I had forgotten that, as well.

If I hadn't eaten a light lunch... if my friend hadn't cancelled our dinner plans... if I hadn't run into this acquaintance by chance in the middle of hundreds of people milling outside... I would have missed out on enjoying a delicious, home-cooked dinner filled with warmth, the spirit of Shabbat, and new friends, and my rudeness would no doubt have cause at least one of them to think much less of me. I suspect there was some sort of an angel, a malach, directing all those little decisions and chance meetings, and making sure I ended up exactly where I was supposed to be.

4 comments:

Alana K-K said...

Dear Alto Artist,

Good morning! I hope the blogsphere's treating you well. *I am writing to gauge your interest in attending a weekend chock full of progressive faith bloggers.* Your experience blogging on On Chanting would add greatly to an enriching exchange between peers.

The Progressive Faith Blog Con(ference) would be held the first weekend of August '08, organized by an ad-hoc committee of bloggers including including Expatriated Texan, CrossLeft, Institute for Progressive Christianity, jspot.org, and the RACBlog, among others. We are hoping to build off of the previous conference by putting together a weekend of workshops, networking, panels, and speakers in D.C.. BUT first we need to know that there is sufficient interest. Given the need for a powerful progressive faith voice during this election year, we hope you will be able to join us.

Please reply as soon as possible to let me know, on a scale of 1-5, your likelihood of attending: 1 (no way), 2 (unlikely), 3 (possible), 4 (probable), 5 (definite). Quick stats on the event- held in D.C., 1-2 days, weekend of August 1-3rd, low cost, possible travel subsidies.

Also, if you have any feedback or insights from the last PFBC, questions, additional bloggers to contact or suggestions, feel free to send those along as well. I can be contacted at akaufman@jewishjustice.org.

Thanks,

Alana Krivo-Kaufman
Jewish Funds For Justice
JFSJ, Intern
www.jspot.org

Regina said...

This was a lovely post- I am so much more aware of angels in my life right now more than I ever have been...
Thanks for the reminder to always be on the lookout!
:)

Regina said...

Oh, sorry, aa... this is Regina... I left the above... felt like going incognito this blogging time around. It's nice to read you again...
:)

alto artist said...

Regina, great to see you here!--hope all is well, and glad to hear your life is full of angels, too.

--aa.