The grocery store clerk leaned forward, voice lowered, eyes narrowed. “Is it . . .religious?” she asked when I answered her query of how many children I had (seven).
This was my Big Chance to evangelize, to speak of the beauty of the Catholic Church’s teachings on marriage and family. I had to be short, sweet, smart. If I said Yes, she’d think we had a large family because we had to. No wasn’t exactly right, either. How to answer? And quickly. . .“Yes, and we LOVE it!” I sang out with a smile, hoping it was good enough.She jerked back, eyes widened now. “Oh. Well THAT’S good.”I pushed my luck while punching PIN numbers as slowly as I dared and continued : “We converted to the Catholic Church a few years ago. Best decision we ever made.”
Her eyes widened even further as she gasped, “People become Catholic on purpose?”
I grinned again while nodding, pushed my luck yet again, and suggested she check out the Catechism of the Catholic Church
I stuffed my receipt into my purse and proceeded to navigate my full cart covered with hanging monkey children out of line. “See you around!” I tossed over my shoulder. Ours is a small town ; I hope I will.
My word-perfect, KJV past came to me while driving home :
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a picture of silver.” Proverbs 25:11
Yes, Lord, may my words be apples of gold. Amen
