Being in Tokyo has touched me. Yes, I love shopping and yes, I think highend designers are fun, but I'm not all shallow...I do think about things other then fun fun fun. I do realize there is more to life then shopping and getting cute handbags and haircuts and traveling the world. I do think about things other then the cute Ralph Lauren Polo shirt, or what to buy a friend.
Living an everyday life (especially in Utah), I don't run into many people who aren't like me. Most people are in my same "social" class. Most people are healthy and happy in life. Most people even look a bit like me. Of course, I know not everyone fits this mold and that there is great poverty, even in my small suburan town. I know there are misfortuanes all around me. Maybe its because I'm busy with life, taking care of three kids and household duties. Maybe its because I'm busy with my rock climbing hobbies and working out. Maybe its because I "don't get out much" locally. I remember going to Russia for the first time, and seeing my dad's secretary and the way she lived. Her TINY apartment, with old wallpaper, that didn't match the carpet, that didn't match the bed spread, that didn't match the curtains. How could I complain that all the walls in my house are the same color and not trendy like my friend's? I get it...I am blessed!
Fast forward to coming to Tokyo. Population: 12 million people. Through the hussel and bussel, bright neon lights, blaring Pachinko parlars, subway stations, busy streets, traffic, and yes, designer stores, I see the down trodden, the poor, the injured, the lonely. I see the lady dressing to fit in with everyone else, but when she walks, her sideways turned foot makes her not fit in. I see the man living literally in the cardboard box next to the sidewalk as we walk under the train track overpass. I see the very old, hunched and crimpled, trying to fight their way through the mass of white shirts and business suits. I see the mom with the baby and the other mom with the little pokemon outfitted boy. I see the achne covered boy sleeping on the subway next to me, and hear the overly assorized teen girls giggle as they talk about him--probably thinking how funny it would be to kick him while he sleeps or something.
I see the "ugly" and the "beautiful". I see the dollar store shoppers and the Gucci ladies both not bat an eye at the dirty 20-something laying on the park bench.
And then I see my husband take a roll he wasn't going to eat, and lay it in an "obvious" spot where the homeless will find it. I see the museum employee take extra care to teach a small child about history. I see the the store clerk make extra effort to communicate with two crazy American tourists (us). And I see the huge smile and the 20 bows that the dock lady at the paddle boat place gave me when she realized we had docked our own boat and tied it up correctly so it wouldn't float away while she was busy with another customer.
I'm reading Mommywood by Tori Spelling right now. Yes, shes famous. Yes, you may have opinions about her from things your read or seen. But I personally like her. And she talks about how much love you have, as a mom for your baby. The second you lay your eyes on that baby, there is a love. No matter if you are famous TV star, or a lonely farmer girl, that love is the same. Rick and I were in a resturant a few days ago, and we heard the song I don't want to miss a thing, by Aerosmith. He told me a story about this song (which was have since found out might not be true), but about how Steven Tyler lived a life of sex, drugs and rock and roll, until he laid eyes on his baby Liv Tyler, and thats when he realized he needed to change his life and be a better person for his daughter. I know that each time I saw my babies for the first time, my heart melted and this rush of love came forth for them. I think most people see a new, fresh baby and they just love it. As it grows, starts crying, gets an attitude and what not, feelings may change. But when its a tiny little baby, sleeping in your arms, its lovely and sweet and perfect.
All these people I have seen...the ache boy, the cripple, the elderly, the lady with the limp. The man who "isn't all there", the lady with too much makeup, the gentleman in the Armani suit, the punk 20 something handing out porn fliers....they all have something in common. They were all once babies...so sweet and innocent. Most had mothers or fathers who loved and cared for them. Most were "perfect" for a while in at least one person's eyes.
But now, we pass by them on our way to work, the subway, the Chanel store. We ignore them on the train platform, or in line for a double cheeseburger. We don't think twice when we roll our eyes at them when they cut in line at AM/PM. But at one time, they were a little baby...so loved and so sweet. Somewhere deep inside, they are still that same baby.
And in our heavenly Father's eyes...they always will be.
--Super Angie
11 months ago
