life in the peripheries

We paused a moment or two to chat with the customers. So often we don't know what is going on in the lives of others, the issues they are dealing with or the joys that they would like to share. As I work, I remain wrapped up in my own small sphere of thought, only emerging from the bubble when conversation has been struck up.

Sometimes, I share my own joys and excitement about either upcoming or past events but rarely do we discuss fears or the serious issues surrounding each life. If we cannot build a relationship with those with whom we work every day, how much more difficult is it to relate with those who we rarely talk to?

I'm not trying to say we need to spend all our time and energy on getting to know people. It's the foundation that really counts - built at the foot of the cross. Recently, I spent a week at Campfire! where I met so many people who I had never spoken to before. Yet there, background, personal history is not important - you are there for the sole purpose of praising the Lord. It is this infectious joy which is carried from that place, something that we should seek to share with others.

God works in so many incredible ways. I walked [well, drove] away from Campfire! with the renewed conviction that, even though we are sometimes crumpled, torn, ground into the dirt, God still sees the worth underneath the layers of dirt and grime. Most amazing are the times when He grants you so much, especially when you least expect it.

LOVE (III)
by George Herbert

Love bade me welcome, yet my soul drew back,
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-ey'd Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
If I lack'd anything.

"A guest," I answer'd, "worthy to be here";
Love said, "You shall be he."
"I, the unkind, the ungrateful? ah my dear,
I cannot look on thee."
Love took my hand and smiling did reply,
"Who made the eyes but I?"

"Truth, Lord, but I have marr'd them; let my shame
Go where it doth deserve."
"And know you not," says Love, "who bore the blame?"
"My dear, then I will serve."
"You must sit down," says Love, "and taste my meat."
So I did sit and eat.