The list of things to accomplish each day is long and detailed. What actually is done.... short and vague.
Today I had only 3 fixed appointments: Meet a new couple in the ward and assess their needs; an orthodontist appointment (all of 10 minutes); and a prison class in the evening.
So what happens? The gutter guy came early to finish yesterday's job that was supposed to be done Monday. We exchange roof condition comments, drainage plans and life stories ~~ he's a former meth and heroin user but found the Lord in 1996.
I return some prunes I was given a week ago to the neighbor down the street. I was to process them while he was out of town... as they ripened, one by one, I ate them one by one. Now he's back, so he can have what's left and can process them himself.
A friend came by to borrow a pump for her kayak. We chat while her boy plays with the pump and grins at me.
I learn of a death in the ward. I send out a notice to others who should know.
I met the new people. Their stories, together, took an hour and 45 min. to hear. I still slid into my orthodontist appointment close to on time.
After returning phone calls, I'm off to be a facilitator a special Prisoner Transition class. It was an experience that would be difficult to describe in a blog. Hard to shake. So much different than the objectives of Police Academy class I took the night before.
So the day is finished and what accomplished? I had "relational encounters" and exchanges with people but have nothing concrete to show for it. That's not all that bad. If we are fortunate, our relationships will endure longer than the tasks that have been done.
