The time of day ~ no es importante! That is, “It's not important”! Prayer, singing & reading scripture is always her first thought … her first reflex. Like that of one who quickly turns their head to the right when someone is calling their name. Chuy, in the same manner, moves from a general conversation, to a spiritual connection with God our Father, with as simple and graceful ease, that is of no greater effort than taking a breath of air.
Some eighteen years my senior, she is a model of what I can only hope will unfold during the ensuing years of my life. From the moment that we met in 2019, now six years later, she is perhaps the most humble, gentle, and diligent soul that I've ever had the opportunity to enjoy the same space. Her demeanor is beautifully in full view through the constant expression of her children and grandchildren. Sometimes I'm in complete awe at the endearing & adorable respect that is simply due to her presence.
Just this afternoon we again enjoyed one of several conversations regarding her history, love of scripture, and love of family. Being honest, my Spanish is such that I likely understand only 25% of her words, but most of the story. Her expressions, occasional laughter, and keen details of her amazing life, holds a steady smile upon my face.
Born and raised in Guanajuato, Mexico, northeast of Mexico City, she has since called the pueblita … small town of Islita and now San Luis, RC her home. Married, with five children, her husband Salvador, ventured to California, and then Arizona for work. In time he would request a divorce, but her unrelenting devotion to her Savior demanded her to remain faithful, even if he decided to do otherwise. The irony of her faithfulness to God's promises is displayed by the monthly social security that she has received these past fifteen years, after his death. This tiny, God-fearing Mexican lady, makes a short drive across the border to obtain her rightful small stipend.
Only God knows how many more times that I will arrive for my annual baseball camp in this, my Mexican home of San Luis. And how many more years does Chuy have … indeed, only God knows both. What I do know … that I will never cease to be amazed by, and deeply enjoy spending time with, and watching the interactions of this very simple, and humble life.
My heart has been indelibly and gratefully enlarged by her presence. Indeed … it has!
Indeed … God knows what He is doing. If only we will slow down … we will see how He IS working through others. And the inspiration from their simple & humble lives, might be what is required to pull us through just one more day. “Dios sabe lo que hace” ~ God knows what He is doing ~
