A Sweet Understanding

A SWEET UNDERSTANDING

The lanky, thirtyish nun coughed and then swallowed; her Adam’s apple moved up and down in her long, slender neck like a yo-yo on a short string. “We’re all familiar with the adage cleanliness is next to Godliness,” said Sister Leslie Grace. As her words echoed off the tiled floor she eyeballed a vacant chair in the front row; her tone stiffened. “Some may question the validity of this saying—but I can assure you that punctuality is not optional in our service to God. ‘With all custody, guard your heart, for in it are the sources of life’. Make no mistake, Sisters, the willingness to be on time demonstrates that we value God’s plan for others. It shows we are about our Father’s business—”

A sharp tapping sound interrupted the strained voice and turned the heads of those gathered in the convent auditorium. Sister Evelyn, aided by a walking cane, slowly made her way to the empty seat in the front row. Wouldn’t you know it, thought Sister Evelyn. Dear Leslie is expounding on the virtues of punctuality. I wish I knew what torments her. If only I could intercede before it undermines her well-meaning intentions.

Sister Leslie Grace cleared her throat and raised her long, wiry arm to regain everyone’s attention. “Remember the bridesmaids that fell asleep before the groom appeared? Remember the five who didn’t have enough oil to trim their lamps? We must stay diligent in our duties. Are you feeling ill, Sister Evelyn? This is the second time you’ve been tardy this week.”

The tiny, elderly nun was held in high regard; even those that didn’t appreciate Sister Evelyn’s unorthodox, independent style admired her moral courage and magnanimous spirit.

“My conversation with our maintenance man took longer than expected,” said Sister Evelyn. “He needed a shoulder to lean on because his child is gravely ill. What have I missed?”

“It’s not that you missed anything, this time. It’s a matter of duty and protocol.”

Sister Evelyn surveyed the room and slowly closed and reopened her eyes. “I’m reminded of what John Wesley said when asked what he would do if he knew his Lord would return the next day. He said in effect, ‘I would go to bed and go to sleep; wake up in the morning, and go on with my work, for I would want Him to find me doing what he had appointed.’”

The wave of sympatric faces drew a prompt response from Sister Leslie.

“Knowing the full story makes a difference, doesn’t it? Of course we will pray for this child, still, our meetings should not be taken for granted. Let’s move on. God has appointed us important business. We should all remember to pray for tomorrow’s food drive. Sister Ruth is handling last minute details. Mother Superior is expecting great things this year. And we all know this Outreach holds a special place in her heart. I have informed Mother Superior I will be fasting the entire day. I suggest everyone consider what personal sacrifices can be made for this important event.”

After the meeting Sister Evelyn made her way to the flower garden. She sat close to a bed of yellow marigolds and pondered Sister’s Leslie’s escalating rigid behavior. When Leslie first arrived to take her vows, her unnatural slender appearance and practice of eating only half rations sparked considerable speculation. It was no secret that she came from a family of strict disciplinarians, had eight older siblings, and lived an austere lifestyle in upper-state New York.

Dear Leslie is a faithful servant, thought Sister Evelyn. Besides her eating habits, this judgmental temperament has been the only reason to give one pause. Leslie never shirks her duties and has the potential to be a powerful role model for the twenty-first century. The aging nun struggled to identify what might cause her younger colleague to feel that she was missing the mark. Sister Evelyn knew that criticism was generally doled out by those conflicted with their own problems. Nothing came to mind—only the dark chocolate Leslie carried in her pocket. Evelyn remembered Leslie nibbling on it in the garden one chilly afternoon, as if she didn’t want to be seen. Chocolate isn’t a sin. Leslie isn’t a glutton. Far from it! Could this simple pleasure be tormenting her so? If that truly is the culprit, confronting may make matters worse.

The following day Sister Ruth gave the last minute instructions for the food drive and then motioned Mother Superior. The spiritual leader rose to her feet.

“The thought of children going to bed hungry burdens my heart,” she said, “as it does all of you. Poor children are hurt the most during tough economic times, and little ones are so vulnerable. Be vigilant in your efforts today. Please stand. I want Sister Leslie Grace to have the honor of giving the Morning Prayer.”

Sister Leslie rose from the chair and a piece of dark chocolate dropped at her feet. Visions from her past hijacked the moment; in a panic she gasped for air. Sister Evelyn quickly used her cane to drag the lump under foot. She winked and gave her shocked colleague a reassuring smile. Astonishingly, no one noticed.

As the yo-yo moved up and down in Sister Leslie’s neck, her eyes moistened and she searched her heart and finally said: “Dear Lord, please have mercy on us. Forgive us when we place burdens on ourselves that you don’t require. Overlook our prideful moments, and especially our misguided attempts to do your bidding. It is you and you alone that know where we should be at any given moment. You have appointed our goings and comings. We need only open our hearts to know them. I’m grateful for those who have learned these truths and are, even now, faithfully about your business. Thank you for guiding their steps so that I might arrive at this sweet understanding.”