At times I see things as they really are, clear, crisp, and without a filter to be found. People are people, groups are part of our extended family, and the holistic approach to life is the only thing that brings the pieces together. Walking through San Francisco’s farmer’s market, I could see the harmony and diversity that was out for all to see, experience, and perhaps reflect on. Rich and poor, well perhaps not the truly poor, and carefree and responsible, well perhaps nobody is truly carefree.
Walking through the growing crowds in the morning and I could just imagine the conversations that occur in any group that does not welcome outsiders.
“You actually use pesticides in your garden?” The sarcasm drips from every word. The new person understands the brute force implied and realizes they are not really welcome here.
“You openly admit to exploiting cheap labor?” The instruction of how to hide things that the group does not approve of is clear.
“You admit that you do not have the complete picture? Is there anything more that we could say?” The approach and conclusion is always self-evident, at least for those with the minimum amount of intelligence.
After you have run the gauntlet do the words forgiveness, unconditionally acceptance, and mercy come to mind? I don’t think so!
I admit that I would like to think that I am open, accepting, and nurturing. At times I do meet the grade, however, my actions kick in to clear up my assessment of activities. As I look at God and who he is I realize that I want things to be exclusive while He has already set the parameters so that I actually can qualify.
I qualify for God’s gift for the same reason that you do. I am human and God chose me to be His friend. Being judgmental just doesn’t fit! Just imagine, “if their leaving triggered this worldwide coming of non-Jewish outsiders [you and I] to God’s kingdom, just imagine the effect of their coming back! What a homecoming!” (Romans 11.11)
