Advise I give to young, aggressive, and confident kids coming from college to New York always goes along these lines. Take a morning off and go to Grand Central or the World Trade Center. Find a comfortable spot to sit where nobody will bother you, the noise is not too loud, and you can casually observe the commuters coming in from Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. Carefully note the attire, stride, and overall attitude. Keep a running tally of the bucket their attire falls into; cheap, less than $400 for the outfit, moderate or well worn – probably costing $400-800 when new, and finally the power studs – wearing the tailored suits that begin at $1,500 before you add $350 for shoes, $175 for a tailored shirt, and $150 for a custom tie.
“Do this,” I tell them, “and then come back and tell me why you are special.”
I know of no other way to gain a true perspective of where one stands in the hustle of New York City.
There are two pieces to the advice I get everyone seeking to see God face, to know God. First, understand where and what you are. Second, try God’s gift of grace and mercy on; let yourself experience the clear sight of God.
The first assignment is difficult for two reasons. We think our efforts and abilities define our value. If we take step two they do not, otherwise our conclusion is accurate. Additionally we find what we call God’s law confusing. It is important that we begin step one with clear sight. “The law code itself is God’s good and common sense, each command sane and holy counsel.” (Romans 7.13)
The second assignment defies any logic we know and will become, when experienced with clear sight, a consistent and constant life changing activity. From my experience, I know that God’s love, mercy, and grace will quench every thirst you have and provide a clear path forward.
Clear sight is possible if we choose. My journey continues in awesome ways I could never anticipate. Join me.
