I had a dream last night. Believers and unbelievers, in other words just people, sat around and has an honest discussion about Divinity. It was one of those Kodak moments where true dialogue was present. People were listening to learn, exchanging ideas, and looking to build a better future for one and all. Everything seemed real, possible, and probable.
At some point I woke up to the cold creeping dawn. The questions and morning cynicism hung like a mist as it they were patiently waiting for me to either deal with them or yet again try to pretend that they did not exist. Why is it that we, I in the center, are so not able to deal with the reality of living in this world? Is the risk of confronting our personal demons and fears so great that we deny any other possible view or belief that others might have? Do we understand the potential of working together?
As I recalled the conversations in my dream I was struck by the harsh reality of what others see.
“What makes you different?” I respond by explaining the values, priorities, and principles that I hold close to my heart.
“Why are the differences important?” I respond by describing my view of Divinity full of mercy, acceptance, and love.
“What are the benefits?” I find myself at a loss to bring the metaphors that there is “plenty of food for your body—silos full of grain, casks of wine and barrels of olive oil” (Joel 2.24) because there is little that people actually see in the lives of the believers.
In that mystery lie the heart of the problem and the opportunity. Mercy, acceptance, and love are often in short supply in anyone’s life. Yet that means we equally sit in front of Divinity with an opportunity to experience plenty of God’s food. Imagine a world where people have silos full of mercy, casks full of love, and barrels of unconditional acceptance! We, you and I, can be models for others. The benefits are there, all can experience.
