Psalm 30:11-12

Alex and I enjoyed a pretty simple day. Again, we have been feeling a bit stuck in the mud lately with the topic of career. As many of you know, Alex just recently graduated and has been looking for a full time career in his area of study and we've just been waiting (probably impatiently according to God's watch) for that grand step into the door. Just yesterday we had received a "sorry have decided not to pursue the expansion (of the area he applied for)" letter from what could have been a great opportunity. We've been anticipating the baby's arrival, joyously of course, along with finding a larger place, which can't happen until that career is landed. We thought we were well on our way about a month ago until we were stopped in our tracks by a monstrous road block, who's name I will not mention, only it starts and ends with a G and works at a certain coffee company in Claremont. Anyway, my husband has been looking tiredlessly for a job that will make all his salutatorian efforts in college seem worth while, along with continuing his education at Academy of Arts San Francisco online courses. I can imagine his stress while all the while trying to keep me stress and worry free for the sake our growing little one.
So today we decided he deserved a day to be 'pampered' (plus he desperately needed a haircut). I found a barber shop called, Wilson Barber Shop, in Redlands (check it out here http://www.yelp.com/biz/wilsons-barber-shop-and-shave-parlor-redlands) a few months ago and we finally got around to making it in there this morning. They totally cater to men and the atmosphere was fantastic. I even had fun waiting nearly an hour and half for my Alex to get a haircut and a straight razor shave (only $28). If your husband/boyfriend wants to feel like you've stepped back into a 1956 barber shop, make an appointment. The place is complete with a jukebox, old fashioned barber chairs and all the barbers are dressed in a tie, vest and wing-tipped shoes. So as I sat watching my husband enjoy his 'man day' I was so happy for him. He had been wanting a straight razor shave for so long and I was happy we could finally get around to doing it. I sat there listening to great oldies on the jukebox feeling like I should be wearing a floral mid-calf length voluminous dress, heels and gloves!

All that was missing from the picture were 1950's cars driving Redlands Boulevard outside the window. I started thinking about how much simpler times were back in the days when shops like this were much more common and when music told the story of love and heartache in simple (clear) words.
About fifteen minutes after we arrived an older couple came in and I watched as the woman whispered something to the available barber, her husband had wanted to get  his head shaved. I thought wow, that's a daring move, as he had a full head of hair at the moment. She sat in the back near me in the waiting area and I was going to ask her if this was their first time there but as I turned to look at her I noticed she was crying and had put on her sunglasses. My first thought was, maybe her husband had been re-instated into the military and she was saddened that he would be leaving (maybe it was just the retro state of mind the barber shop had put me in) and then my thoughts turned more sad and I thought, maybe he's sick and needed to have his hair removed. Later, after they left, we found out that indeed, he had cancer and was going to be starting chemotherapy and wanted to remove his hair before it fell out.  I felt so awful and I now understood why she had been so sad to see her husbands hair disappear. Some of the songs that had played on the jukebox (Stand By Me - Ben E. King and the Drifters) for example had almost made me tear up just because I've been extra emotional lately I can't imagine how a song like that had made her feel at the moment. I felt sad but yet blessed like the time when I was shopping for Alex and I's first wedding anniversary gift that a elderly woman inadvertently reminded me how fast time flies and how precious each moment together is. (a post in July 2010) As I had sat there enjoying the simple songs and thinking about this day being a memory for Alex and I, I thought how this may have been a not so memorable day for this woman and her husband. For a second I put myself in their position and I couldn't even bare one tiny thought of it. I then began to think about all the things Alex and I were contemplating and worrying over even as recent as the drive over and I suddenly felt as if we were millionaires in life. My sister had just text me lastnight, "God is testing you. Don't let him down" referring to our 'bad news' about the job and then with this encounter today I just felt God's presence and knew He was reminding me that we should be thankful for what we have, each other, our health and a precious baby on the way; we have been fussing over things that we should be leaving up to Him. Just thinking about it again brings tears to my eyes. I pray for that couple and that he will be cured.
I will never forget today, the fun we had but more importantly the lesson that was so blatantly put in front of me. And to top it all of, like God just sprinkled the nuts and cherry on top, our wedding song This Magic Moment - Ben E. King and The Drifters played as Alex was getting finished up and we were heading out. It was like He, again, reassuring me, all will be fine and will be done in His time.

"You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever." 
Psalm 30:11-12