peace and guacamole

My head and heart are full with all that is happening in our country and in Falcon Hgts, our very backyard, right now. It has been hard to focus on myself when lives are being lost. My gut is shouting:

"we belong to each other"

In Zumba we've been dancing to a remake of Sister Sledge's We are Family.  Super fun and seriously, words to live by. But here I am sitting in the coffee shop turning up the volume on my headphones so I don't have to hear the conversations of 'family members' nearby.  

I did have a moment last week where I put that mantra into action. My college friend and pastor extraordinaire Siri Strommen Campbell shared a thoughtful post each day of Ramadan. I learned so much about 'family members.' Last Tuesday, she challenged us to greet someone that was Muslim with a word of peace - Salaam. So low and behold, walking on the sidewalk that morning, I had that very opportunity. I went for it. A smile and Salaam. The smile returned to me was one of surprise, of joy, of connection. 

So rather than turning up my earbuds, maybe I should smile and say 'peace' to the annoying loud-talkers nearby. Maybe.  Maybe I should ask them if they'd like my guacamole because I'm sure not going to eat it. (sorry Stef) 

Oh no, now the loud talkers are kissing. 

Never mind. 

Another before pic for you