Forever

On a clear day there are incredible views from where I live, in New York’s Lower East Side and in Redlands.  In Redlands I can see snow capped mountains in the winter.  In New York I can gaze across the Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street’s towers, SoHo’s low rise buildings, and up into the amazing heights of midtown.  Everywhere I look there is inspiration and awe inspiring sights, at least on a clear day. 
 
I wonder if I realize just how far Divinity’s gaze extends.  I read words of inclusiveness – of the poor and powerless being first, of forgiveness and mercy, and even of loving the unlovable.  When I look around, reaching out to the extent of my vision, I find I have constructed boundaries around the select elite who believe the same as I do.  Bigotry is alive and well!  Unless you see life as I do I naturally want to exclude.  Bias lives on.  Unless you act with the filters I find appropriate, you do not get ready access.  Even acceptance is measured.  The down and out, anyone who has made decisions which differ than my ideals are automatically put on less than best list.  The past will haunt you in the future!
 
There is an alternative.  Anyone who shares, even aspirationally, the values of compassion, mercy, inclusiveness, acceptance, and community has a fresh invitation into Divinity’s community.  You and I have the opportunity to extend the same forgiveness, acceptance, and standing we share with God to those around us! 
 
This is radical.  It’s a future which can begin today.  We can follow an example set by God.  In times past, “on that Day, there will be a highway all the way from Egypt to Assyria: Assyrians will have free range in Egypt and Egyptians in Assyria.  No longer rivals, they'll worship together, Egyptians and Assyrians!”  (Isaiah 19.23)
 
This is not an easy challenge.  It doesn’t come naturally, at least not to me.  Yet it is a calling worthy of Gods!  It’s an action we can take today – with ourselves and each person we meet.