A portrait of a retired car guard

We went downtown today to get my phone fixed. Long story (absent-minded mom…drooling toddlers…). It required us going to a rather shaky part of town, to a dodgy and shabby little shop that does phone unlocking. While my husband went inside, I waited in the car, feeding Dillan, our three-month-old baby boy.

A woman wearing a plastic apron came walking by. “Shucks”, too late to close the car window! Dillan laughed at her, he didn’t see the wrinkles caused by four years in the sun, and he didn’t see the ugly crooked teeth caused by having no medical aid. He didn’t see any difference between her and us at all.

A retired car guard, she now works a few “shacks” away- in another shabby-looking shop, a waitress for Mama Africa Restaurant (true story). And she joyously tells me of delicious pies made by the owner, of curry and rice and vetkoek- all true South African delicacies. She talks about the patrons coming and going- the regulars and not-so regulars. I nervously look around (what for?).

We talk seemingly unaware of the difference in class that echos, shouts in-between us: a gaping hole that for a brief moment seemed to be non-existent. But I knew it was there. I felt it. It kind of reminded me of the painting done by Van Gogh- that screaming face but no sound…

Yet, I enjoyed this moment. I loved this moment- this brief encounter where a car guard and a luxury car owner could interact with laughs and smiles. And I hope that I lifted her spirits as much as she did mine.

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Later on during the day, my husband bought some pies for lunch. I smiled and thought, in the end, there really is no difference at all. Now if only we could believe it like a little baby boy.

Forgive me my unbelief God.
You are my strength- unfailing faithfulness-
even in my faithless moments.

Help me nurture childlike faith for everyone and every endeavour today. Amen

(Pics: Van Gogh Paintings- the first is my favourite and the other is called the scream)