We’re Never Incognito
After meeting for our mini-vacation in Santa Claus, Indiana, last week, Ray and I and John and his family drove in tandem to their home. On the way we stopped at a Chick-fil-A in Evansville. When it was almost time to eat, Ray and I sat beside each other at our family spot and John went back to the counter for one more thing. While he was gone, a mama came over to our table and said, “I just have to ask. Are you John and Charlene Notgrass?”
I responded with a smile and with, “We are Ray and Charlene Notgrass. John is over there.” John soon returned and she met him and his family, too.
We chatted about hers and her children’s experience with our curriculum for a few minutes. We had photos taken with her and her teenage daughter before they rejoined her sons at their table.
Sometimes we meet homeschooling families at random locations and they recognize our names during introductions, but, if I’m remembering correctly, this is just the fourth time Ray and/or I have been recognized just out of the blue like this. As I sat, relishing the memory of a fun meeting and contemplating what had just happened, I looked across the table at John and told him about how I feel that I always have to be minding my P’s and Q’s, because I never know when someone may be watching me. Before I could get it out myself, John noted that we all need to do that anyway.
Later I wondered about folks who might recognize us and be too shy to say hello. I hope you are never one of those folks. I’d be sad to miss the opportunity to meet you face to face. I’m thankful that this incident reminds me of something I’ve known since childhood — that Someone is always watching me. I need Him to.
For the ways of a man
Are before the eyes of the Lord,
And He watches all his paths.
Proverbs 5:21
On our way back to our house on Saturday, Ray and I had supper with my brother and niece. While Steve was telling a story, he turned his head in a certain way and made me think immediately of our grandfather Daddy Leland. When I told Ray about that later, he knew exactly what I was talking about and even described the gesture in a way I hadn’t put into words.
Daddy Leland left this world for a better one twenty-two years ago, but Steve is still moving his head the same way.
We’ve all got somebody watching, especially those little ones at our feet, our elbows, and our sides.
But rather in speech, conduct,
love, faith, and purity,
Show yourself an example
of those who believe.
1 Timothy 4:12