In a novel I once wrote and keep meaning to rewrite so it’ll be actually readable, yet seldom work on, there is a scene where the lead male character has reluctantly agreed to accompany the lead female character on a clothes shopping expedition for an upcoming corporate event (the two work in the same office). They’re not romantically involved. Anyway, here’s the current rough draft:
Tracy was skimming the racks, walking quickly from one to another as she noted which ones contained something worthy of further exploration. She grew so consumed with this it was a couple of minutes before she noticed John was no longer standing close by. With a short sigh of annoyance she looked around to see where he might have wandered. To her surprise he was across the aisle in the plus size department talking to someone Tracy didn’t recognize.
As she walked over to where John and the woman were standing, Tracy took note of the woman’s appearance. Her most noticeable feature was not having one. The woman’s face was plain and colorless, her eyes showing little hint of life. She was stocky and shapeless, the kind of body where a dress to flatter expert would immediately throw up their hands at an impossible task. Yet as Tracy came within earshot, it became increasingly apparent John was talking to her like she had just stepped off the fashion runway. Most peculiar.
John glanced over to see Tracy approaching. He turned back to the woman and in a voice of mock horror said, “Oops! The boss caught us. Must be on my way.” He then reached over to kiss the woman on the cheek. “See you Sunday.” The woman smiled and walked away as John turned to walk not so much toward Tracy as past her, his body language indicating he was leading her back toward the dresses he was supposed to be helping her with. Tracy took the hint.
As they returned to the section, Tracy’s curiosity came out. “And who was that, may I ask?”
“You may,” replied John with a smile. “That’s Sarah. She’s one of the Scripture spinsters that go to my church.”
“‘Scripture spinster?’”
“I know. Not the nicest nickname for someone. But sadly accurate.”
“To the surprise of no one, I’m not following you.”
John’s smile faded as he looked at Tracy. “A Scripture spinster is a middle-aged woman whose love life is measured only by the lack thereof. Usually the complete lack thereof. However, they fervently believe in Jesus. Which is a good thing, as in all likelihood He’ll be the only man who will ever touch them in their life.”
“You seemed quite… chummy with her.”
“Like it’ll kill me to make them feel wanted. They know there’s no romance in their lives and probably never will be. They know Mr. Hermit, namely me, isn’t Prince Charming. But don’t they deserve to at least once in a while feel like they’re someone special and loved not only by God but by other people, just as they are?”
I was reminded of this when I saw Susan Boyle on YouTube the other day. If you haven’t heard the clip, please listen before continuing:
[video http://www.diecast-dude.com/gac/susan_boyle_i_dreamed_a_dream.flv nolink]
Dare you not to puddle up…
… over a Scripture spinster.
God’s reminder to all of us how precious all of His children are to Him.
We’re best advised to think and act along those lines.
