Opening Windows

Oct. 19, 2012

I find this wonderful fall weather is perfect for sliding back the sunroof of my car, which up until now was tightly shut against the summer heat. Letting the outside in is invigorating . . . new sounds and smells enter my otherwise encapsulated vehicle. My drive to Northwest is punctuated by the rustling of tree tops, the whistle of the traffic cop on Roswell Road, and the scent of something delicious cooking at Horseradish Grill. The sunlight streaming in from above dapples my head and sleeve in soft gold.

I can appreciate why Lucy can barely wait for me to roll down the passenger side window when she is riding in the front seat of my car so she can stick her head outside. Who would want to miss those heady breezes, mysterious scents and play of color and light that tickle the nose and the soul?

At the Sunday evening Youth Group meeting over Subway sandwiches, the teens there checked in about their week and discussed ways they wanted to contribute to Northwest and the community. Recently, they volunteered with Project Open Hand, an organization that provides meals to persons living with HIV/AIDs.

ā€œItā€™s our favorite service outing,ā€ said one of the teens.

ā€œWhy is that?ā€ I asked.

ā€œBecause we love seeing their faces when we bring the food to their homes,ā€ was the reply. ā€œThey are so appreciative. It makes us feel good.ā€

It seemed to me that our youth are opening windows of another sort. Theyā€™re opening their hearts and letting the experience of new light and new connection in.

Iā€™m looking forward to joining them in that.