What can I do for you?

“I hope that one day you will have the experience of doing something you do not understand for someone you love.”

- Jonathan Safran Foer, from Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Jesus said, “What can I do for you?” Mark 10:51

Two weeks ago today, a group of us sat at Port City Java to discuss the gospel reading for a week ago at church ... the healing of blind Bartimaeus. I had heard this story many, many times--even taught it in Sunday School. But never had I paid much attention to question that Jesus asks Bartimaeus. He says to him, "What can I do for you?" While the answer for B (tired of trying to make sure I spell his name correctly!)was pretty obvious, I am still mesmerized by the idea that Jesus was asking him that question. Wow, can you imagine being on the receiving end of that question from Jesus? We discussed that at some length the other night, we heard it again on our women's hiking retreat and then I was sent our priest's sermon on the passage last week. I still haven't formulated my answer to Jesus' question. I want it to be "right" and sincere, but I find it quite intimidating.

One of the women I stalk on the internet has a phrase called "the sacred echo." It is something that just keeps coming around and around again and again that if paying attention would mean something to the hearer. I think that question was a sacred echo for me. I've thought about that question a lot in the last two weeks.

And one of the ideas that came to mind for me was how this question is part of my joy in baking the cookies that I bake. When I get a text, a call, an email or my favorite-an order from my website my first thought is what will I do? Often while I am talking to someone, I am jumping on the computer to see what Pinterest has to offer on that particular occasion. I love asking "customers" what they want and how they plan to use the cookies in the various celebrations they are planning. I love some of their ideas, their thoughts, their choices and their excitement over having these cookies at their events. I love when they have no ideas, but my suggestions make them happy even before they see the cookies. But I love most when I hear the joy in their voice when they see the cookies and anticipate surprising others with them at their event. I rarely see the "customers" when they pick up--I tend to leave the cookies in my garage on the "cookie table" for pick ups to uncomplicate pick ups and deliveries. But I usually get a text, call or email from them with an enthusiastic approval of the purchase! It makes my day.

So when I get the call . . . I will say "What can I do for you?" and then the gift comes to me. I am grateful.