now the joy of my world is in Zion;
Today was the first day of my circuit assembly. A circuit assembly is like a half convention. Instead of the usual 5000 people, there’s about 2500. How was it?
How is every convention? Beautiful.
The assembly’s theme was about conducting ourselves as people who love God. Whenever a person of any religion professes reverence to God, one expects a higher plane of behavior, but it seems even more so when you tell someone you’re a Jehovah’s Witness. There was a variety of subjects— gossip, love, social networking, the full time ministry, Bible reading, and growing close to God in love.
My family and I were on time, which is a big deal, because we spend an inordinate amount of time late for pretty much everything. I rode in with Bro. and Sis. Z. I straightened my hair this morning and wore black. I looked and felt great.
People that I ran into include Jon and Noor, Tony and Amy, C & A, Greek God and Goddess, Will from soccer, ‘Ello Governor and his wife Stacey, Taylor the photographer and her (tall, handsome, already-totally-married-what-a-bummer) cousin, Elijah from soccer (with the beautiful dark skin and that soft, sweetly accented voice), awkward but adorable Chad with the eyes, Steve, Joe and Steph, Blue Eyes and Sal’s mum, brother, sister-in-law, nieces and nephews, and nonna.
I also, incidentally, ran into that Chaldean guy’s family too. They always liked me way better than he ever did, and so it was a delight to see them again (and it didn’t hurt that it happened to be on a day that I looked nice).
Was Sal there? No. Had he been there this day would have been perfect. With his absence, it was just really, really excellent instead. Considering how the days have been lately, I feel blessed for really, really excellent. I will take it.
The other thing that made my day was meeting a guy whom we’ll call Dante. Dante was tall, dark-skinned and baby-faced. I was coming out of the hallway when he winked at me and smiled. I smiled back, and decided to approach him. We chatted, lightly, before bidding each other adieu. He was… nice.
Why is this random instant of flirting important? The fact that I decided to go for it at all is progress. He made a move, and I actually knew how to make one back. I felt like Liz Lemon for a moment— “BLAM-O! ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL INTERACTION WITH A MAN!”
I hope I run into him tomorrow because if I do, I’m giving him my number.
The fact that I’m willing and ready to give my phone number to a man other than Sal Paradise means that I’m (maybe? kind of? probably? half-way?) getting over this and moving on with the rest of my life.
And other than the spiritual things to think about (more of which I’ll share when it’s all over tomorrow) , this was the other realization that made this day truly a treat.
When was the last time I felt like a day was a “treat”? I don’t even remember. I try to look at every day as a gift, definitely. Some days are so special that they are like golden apple, a prize, a day full of privilege and joy, unforgettable (e.g. Jon and Noor’s wedding).
But a treat of a day is that extraordinary little thing in-between— as sweet as a breath of air, as comfortable as your favorite pair of pants. It’s a day that is mixed just right with “ordinary” and ” pleasantly unusual”.
