My First Shared Sunday

Robert's post was the first thing I saw this sunday morning.

Which took me to Unknown Mami's place for Sundays In My City.



My Sunday started at a friends house in Amarillo, TX. This is about 20 minutes from my town. As we sat around the table swapping stories and playing game, an "Unknown Number" rings my phone. I do not answer, and they leave no message.

My head swirls with possible identities. This is the first unknown to this new number. I had shut my phone off back in April of 2011. As much as I missed the phone, we did really well with out it for five months.

Then my grandmother died. I was introduced to Ray, the man she assigned as executor of her estate. He was kind enough, but like all men, I didn't trust him as far as I could throw him.

Then my dad overdosed on meth. His first hospital stay lasted over a week, and because of his diagnosis, he was a "do not publish" patient. Immediate family could go up there to find out information and see him but forget trying to get information over the phone. Ray and I communicated almost daily throughout this.

One day he asks, "Why don't you have a cell phone?"

"Do you want my financial or philosophical reason?"

Silence.

"Okay then, I just started repaying my student loans, and I have lost all state benefits, so something had to go. We don't have cable, and I have internet and a land line, so the cell phone was cut from the budget."

"Okay, and the philosophical reason?"

"Well, I realize they have an importance and a purpose, but they also hinder communication and relationships. They are a great tool to promote secrecy and manipulation, and people can too easily say, 'Nope, I didn't see that text or missed call' with a fake smile and look of confusion. A cell phone keeps you constantly tied down to something while real life happens around you instead of pausing for you to answer the phone or reply to a text. I won't get started on the smart phones."

"Well Kendra, you need a cell phone."

"Yes. My friends and loved ones find many reasons to remind me of that daily."

"If the estate pays for the phone, will you carry it?"

......silence.....

"You need a cell phone in the car when you have those babies with you, Kendra."

"I know, and yes, I will carry the stupid phone."

So I got the phone with this new number that only few people know. I've carried it now for almost 4 months, and today's sunday began with its first "unknown."

Of course my brain suggests its related to my son's father in one form or another.

As I sit here jumbling sentences on the screen, God instantly reminds me that I can call Him anytime and without the use of a stupid phone. He reminds me of Him calling my name and me answering, knowing all the while it is He who is calling.

As I smile and feel His love wrap around me, the importance of this unknown caller dissipates, giving way to the Lord on high! My Jesus.