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A Trip to the Barbershop By Dianne Carter Sometimes we just need to slow down and relax.
y father, at 80 years old, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Due to late detection, he opted for no treatment. I hadn't seen my dad in three years and had planned to visit in a few months. I decided to visit right away, not knowing how long he'd be with us, or how quickly he might deteriorate. One morning while I was there, Dad announced that he wanted to go to the barbershop. Dad knows his eyesight isn't so good now and, although he still has a valid driver's license, prefers not to drive. I offered to drive him, and he took me up on it.
Once we arrived, I felt as though we had truly stepped back in time. The barber, Andy, was also 80 years old. Dad had been getting his hair cut there for over 30 years! There were model airplanes suspended from the ceiling. Only one chair graced the establishment. One barber, one chair.
I watched and listened while the three men talked and enjoyed each other's company. Every once in a while, I joined in too. There was no rush; it was a pleasant and relaxing experience. My usually somewhat gruff father's face changed into a more mellow expression. His muscles relaxed, and he was even pleasant. The best thing for me was when he introduced me as "his daughter from Florida, a real gem, a real gem." Boy, did that make my day! Sometimes in our rush-rush world, we need to take a trip back into time, where things are slower and we can relax and enjoy each other. Somehow, we need to decide it's okay to do fewer things in a day -- or maybe even nothing. God knows that we tend to try to do too many things. He says in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." So, we can learn to prioritize and realize that it's these moments of connection with each other that make it all worthwhile. Recommended reading For additional reading, see our booklet Copyright 2007 by United Church of God, an International Association All rights reserved. |
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Keywords: priorities
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