The conversation was memorable, even as it was happening. A car filled with four businessmen, commuting to the tube stop because of a railroad strike; one Englishman, another Australian, and two Americans who have lived abroad as much as they have in their native country. The subject was American cities and their overall attractiveness.
The starting and reference point was Houston, Texas. The question posed was what did or does Houston have going for it that is superior to others cities. In fact, what does any Texan city have going for it when one compares it to California, Washington, Colorado or a number of other cities around the country. The simple answer was twofold; it’s big and most of the loyal citizens have not lived anywhere else.
We rambled around the point, trying to find things that were attractive about one city over another, but the original point stuck. I found myself thinking about the lives represented in this car. What about my life or anyone else in the car is superior, in any way?
It is easy to give an almost clich? answer, but the words stick harder than anyone would like to admit. Our lives are superior because we are “big” and we have not lived anywhere else! Unfortunately the facts are obvious.
I tend to be self centric, often worshiping this god and paying homage in too many ways. It is true that I long for something different; however the harsh reality of any given day speaks volumes, and this I find it difficult to admit. The second point is not completely true; I have tasted something else, I have briefly experienced God’s touch and as a result I am not satisfied! I know there is more. I can testify to the power of compassion, mercy, and acceptance.
“An undisciplined, self-willed life is puny; an obedient, God-willed life is spacious.” (Proverbs 15.32)
Life can be big, really big; awesome and then some. Life can be everything that you might imagine, never thought could happen, and really have not experienced. With God, today, now.
