Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Dignity. and receiving gifts gracefully.

Today I went with a woman to a food bank. because November is hard, and so is having many children. Tonight, she took me to get a haircut, because my hair has looked unkempt and overgrown since about June. She would not let me pay. She told me very strictly. No, I budget my money. This is the money I spend on my kids, this is the money my husband gets for the month, this is food money, this is my money. I am spending my money for you. I want to give you beautiful hair. (and then we joked that after beautiful hair comes beautiful boyfriend, so I guess we'll see how that works out)
...
I am so humbled.
...
I have so little to worry about (it seems), and I still can't find time to spend $20 on a haircut. I am too busy to care usually. My friend, my sister, my mama, walked me to the mall, introduced me to her friend, and flipped through magazines until we found the perfect cut for my head. She nodded approvingly and loudly praised the hairdresser, and I walked out with beautiful hair. We spent all of an hour gone, and now I look so much better.
...
I tried to sneak money into her pocket, but I think I really offended my friend. I wanted her to spend money on her kids (to whom she is a fantastic mother). She said NO! no christine. this is my money, not yours.
...
I am so loved. and so blessed. and tonight, so humbled.
(and I have great new hair)