When you look in a Cuban closet, unlike an American closet with all its clothing rarely worn, things never used, things forgotten about, things destined for next year's yard sale, theirs is empty. Perhaps you will find a trinket selection of empty perfume bottles, set up in a formal display. Or perhaps some old newspapers or cardboard boxes, but for the most part just empty. Some have a set of Sunday clothes; some do not. What they have, they use, no storage, no extras. They are grateful for all they receive. Their lives are simple, day-to-day. It is difficult to instill vision in them, to lift their eyes to a further place in time. Their eyes are on their path, step-by-step, living in this moment. This is why it is easier for them to take life as it comes--They must! Schedule delays do not bother them as they do us. We become flustered at the slightest inconvenience. They consider it an opportunity to get acquainted with those waiting nearby. Our days and years fly quickly by. Our children grow up and are gone and we wonder where the time went. We live a life of regret, wishing we had spent more time with those we love. We go through life never satisfied with the now; always wanting something bigger or better or more exciting. All the while we miss the richness of the moment. The Cubans savor each moment, excited to see one another on the street, they kiss or shake hands and take a few minutes to inquire about each other's family. The fellowship of the Spirit is especially sweet. The bond of unity in the church is magnified by the persecution and restrictions. What they lack in possessions they make up for in richness of character and love. Mostly they resist thinking of the future, to save themselves further disappointments.

O Father, some how in your great wisdom, can you harness the good of this patient culture, but take away the despair? Can you bless these people without having their eyes moved to material things? Will you gently take their chin in your loving hands and lift their head? Great Father, show your goodness to these people, give them hope and a future and restore their land.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments usually catch us unaware - beautifully wrapped in what others may consider an inconvenience.

Jim Waldron