Editor’s note: We asked readers for their stories of finding God in the unexpected. Today we feature a story by Michelle Mehring.
I slowly walk to the back pew of the chapel, yearning for silence from the noisy outside world so I can spend some time in quiet prayer. I plunk down in the pew, exhausted by the weight of my to-do list. Deep breath in…and out…Wait…what is that whirling noise? I don’t have to strain my ears to hear it as the sound is getting louder and seems to be headed in my direction. There are sounds of spinning wheels, clanking of the swiveling head cover, and repeated buzzing as I spot a steadily glowing red light. There, darting around on the floor of the chapel, is a robot vacuum.
It momentarily comes closer, hesitates, recalculates, reverses, and moves to a nearby area, all the while generating noises that magnify within the echoing walls of the little chapel. Really, Lord, a Roomba during my prayer time? (My eye roll may be now as loud as the little creature!)
Then a whisper rises in my heart. “Yes, my daughter, a Roomba.”
Well, what am I supposed to learn from this? Perhaps I should just move to the basilica and await the start of Mass.
“Or you and I could sit here together, Michelle.”
“OK, Lord,” I mutter while I am still watching the swiveling head of the machine with its red cyclops eye. After a few minutes, I say, “You know, Lord, I sometimes act just like that Roomba. I sometimes move forward in my quest to draw closer to you and other times backwards. I stop when there is an obstacle in my path and have to readjust, and I don’t seem to cover much ground at other times. Sometimes I even move with a purpose along my pre-planned path. Other times, I need to recalculate due to unexpected interruptions and find a new way around.”
“What is the purpose of this Roomba?” the Lord asks.
“Well, Lord, it is set up to clean the floor of the entire chapel.”
“And, Michelle, what is your purpose?”
“I think it is to love you, Lord, above all else, and to share your love with those I cross paths with.”
The Lord nods in affirmation and says, “So just like this Roomba, you are following a path laid out by the Master and bringing your light and gifts to share with those around you to make the world a better place.”
“Hmmm…yes, that sounds about right.”
And with that, the robot vacuum turns off, and Jesus and I sit together in silence, both of us smiling.
