Sightings: Stephen and James Spader

​One December, I worked as a seasonal Bell-Ringer for the Salvation Army in New York City. Around 5 AM every morning, I’d be dropped -off in front of Grand Central Station, and I’d ring my bell for 12 hours, inviting people to drop money in the steel kettle hanging from the tripod I was standing by.  One morning, instead of my usual downtown spot, the boss dropped me on a sidewalk on the Upper East Side.  Even I, rural girl that I was, knew that the Upper East Side was where the famous people hung out.  I had my eye out for movie stars!  Lo and behold, in the middle of the day, I noticed a couple come out of the deli across the sidewalk from me.  A beautiful woman (just a little older than me but so much more sophisticated) heard the sound of my bell, and saw the Salvation Army kettle. She stopped and dug into her bag. A handsome man stood over her speaking right into her ear. Then he turned a looked my way.  It was James Spader. 

If you don’t know who that is, he is shown above in the John Hughes movie, Pretty in Pink. In that film, he plays an arrogant jerk (to put it nicely). I had thought he was acting.  But I don’t think he had to try very hard.  When I  wide-eyed, star-stricken, looked into his eyes, he sneered at me.  Yes, one side of that gorgeous upper lip rose perceptively as he stared coldly into my sweet, innocent, awestruck face.  I’ll admit, it didn’t stop me from staring back with my jaw on my chest, still ringing my little bell 500 miles an hour. 

Later, when I told my friend that I had seen him, she was so jealous! She wanted to see him too! If only she had been able to ring bells for the Salvation Army on the Upper East Side! It just wasn’t fair!  No matter that he behaved like an arrogant jerk, he was James Spader!

This Sunday, we’ll remember poor Thomas. All the other disciples saw Jesus after the Resurrection, except him. Jesus appeared in the upper room, not the Upper East Side, but Thomas missed it.

It’s hard to miss out. But putting these stories together reminds us that sometimes what we think we’ve missed out on is just stinky fish.  And in the love and kindness of God, whenever we long for, seek and desire to see Jesus, he shows up for us. 

So, don’t worry if you missed somebody else’s amazing Easter. Look for your own.  Jesus is risen and ready to meet with you just around the corner. Open your eyes and ears and welcome the blessing.

-- Pastor Rebecca

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