daily life as life goes on . . .

This week I have run across a number of people who have been sick.  Sick and tired of coughing, colds, illness and general dis-ease. 

Now, I began to think.  What if we all got together?  What if we all shared one room?  What if in our togetherness we shared our common woes and common foes called germs and flus and little creatures with no names?

Surely the ideal of uniting this world together with one cause would be achieved.  We would now have the great opportunity of being equal with one another.  We would share the ideal of democracy and community.  We could all speak together with one voice . . .

If we could just stop coughing!

Yesterday I met our local bus.  I was there to touch base with a fellow whose mother had passed away recently.  He was just released from jail and would be going to a graveside service I will be officiating today.

As he stepped from the bus, a group of four youth surrounded him.  They were obviously his friends.  The chatter was immediate and friendly.  While I was not sure if anyone would be there, a community was present.

The talk was about staying clean, or not.  About police encounters and friends gone awry.  About new shoes and tomorrow’s graveside service.  About aspirations and hopes.  About things that bind people together.

For months there had been no direct contact.  And yet, the community was present. 

With care and concern, or with selfish interest, or with motives of power and prestige, or with a sense of codependence, or with a tie of blood relative – we will find ourselves in community unless we actively exclude ourselves.  Which makes it imperative that we choose who will influence us – for there is no doubt influence will happen.

It was one of those days.  For months, quite literally, I have wanted to just sit down and talk to a friend.  This last week we tried to connect.  Saturday the timing was just a little off, Monday priorities arose, today we tried again.  We looked over our calendars and were pushing the end of the week.  Then my friend said, “Let’s meet at Tim’s right now.”

And we did.  We chatted.  I just like talking to him – he inspires my thoughts and refreshes my day.  I hope I enhance his day.  And so, we left after an hour, not sure when we will touch base again – but my hope is that it will be soon!

Thanks for the coffee!

In keeping with this year’s talks I’ve been giving at church, I’m being challenged all over again.  Tomorrow reflects on eating the meat of the Word of God. 

For many years I’ve tried out a myriad of ways to hear God’s Word.  All sorts of different food have been on the table!  The more the merrier – suits my penchant for risk, research and development. 

But lately I’m wondering if there may be a only a very few ways, perhaps just one, that burrows me deep into what God is saying to me and through me to others.  If this approach were to take up a majority of my time in the pursuit of God, what would that look like?  What would it look like for you?