Labels are relatively small issues

CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON

“God has given each of you something special that He wants you to

share with others.”

-- JOSEPH GIRZONE, FROM

JOSHUA AND THE CHILDREN

I can worry about the silliest things sometimes, and I hope that

some of you can relate.

Before the holidays, I couldn’t get my computer to print return

addresses that I needed. My husband, Jon, had already helped me with

a different printing issue and he needed to leave for work. For some

reason, I was determined to solve the problem that day. Some men were

working around our house, but they said they could help with

painting, not printing.

I told myself that I could figure it out, so I tried something

else, but again, I had no luck. I stopped, bowed my head and closed

my eyes.

“God, why can’t I solve this, I doubt it’s that hard. What am I

doing wrong?” I prayed. I didn’t sense any answers.

I frowned at my computer, I frowned at the printer and I went in

another room. I sat quietly and asked God what to do.

I heard nothing, other than jets flying overhead and crows in the

yard. Then I realized that labels weren’t the most important things,

so instead I prayed for family and friends. One name kept coming to

mind, so I picked up the phone and called someone I hadn’t spoken

with for quite some time. We spoke for quite awhile.

“Cindy, thank you for the call, you were just the encouragement I

needed,” she said. “God does want us to help each other.”

I didn’t think I did much, but I know that I appreciate

encouragement. When I thought about the labels later I realized that

it was OK to ask someone else to help. I called one place and was

told it could take weeks. I needed to go to Fashion Island in Newport

Beach, so I stopped into the Kinko’s there. It was very busy and I

almost left when I watched how kindly and patiently one man dealt

with his customers. I heard him tell another customer that they were

short-handed that day, but he thought he could come up with a

solution. He then said he’d be with me after finishing a phone call.

I overheard enough of his conversation that it brought tears to my

eyes. He thanked the person on the other end of the call, hung up and

with a smile asked how he could help. His name was Mike Dyson.

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but did you just say you

recently had your first child, and your father passed away?” I asked.

“Yes, nine days apart from each other. It’s a lot to process,” Mike

answered. “It makes my label issue seem so unimportant.” I said.

“We’re here to help,” he replied. While he worked on my project, we

talked about God, prayer, family, church and work. We laughed as we

spoke about the joy of children and the funny things they do and say.

Mike called me later to make sure everything was fine with my

order. Labels are nothing compared to loved ones, but I was reminded

that we are all here to do what we can for others, no matter what the

situation may require.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive,

Suite 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.