New York is never far. My thoughts usually center on people yet there is always some unique aspect of Manhattan framing the scene. I am not sure when my dreams started; I know it was before I left the City. Frequently my thoughts center on the people in the City and hope for them that I hold dear. Yet I find myself looping back to a familiar scene were one of us is in a debate of a senior corporate executive about our role and importance to a particular project. His answer is always the same.
“Go sit at the top of the escalator in the World Trade Center where the Path comes in from New Jersey for three mornings in a row from eight until nine or nine-thirty. Count the number of people in expensive suits that look like they have degrees from a prestige university. When you a done come back and tell me why you are so important.”
Ever since the attack on the World Trade Center I find the vision shifting between the original site and Grand Central Station, however the command remains the same. It was as if Wisdom’s words were playing themselves out in the scene, warning me of the future.
“Dreamers fantasize their self-importance; they think they are smarter than a whole college faculty.” (Proverbs 26.16)
If you have time I would encourage you to try this. I have and it is very humbling. What makes us special? Is there anything that shapes your importance? Do grades and or a degree help shape our value?
When I sat with a coffee watching people go by I found my self circling back to these questions. I wanted to believe that I was that special cog that could not be found anywhere else. I knew in my heart that my dream was just a thin wisp of imagination, yet for a long time I held on. One day I sensed God’s arms and hug and I knew that I was special. God gave all for you and I; that changes everything.
