Joe

I’ve always wanted to be more than an “average” Joe.  I have no view on the name.  Rather clich?’s emotions capture something I’ve known since I was very young.  It is hard to express just what “it” was/is.  I know it is something about being among the “best” at whatever I chose to do.  Last night I experienced one of the world’s “best”.  I have listened to him for years yet the process of listening didn’t capture what happened last night.  I have watched videos of his concerts.  As amazing, wondering, and inspiring as they were and are, something significant was and is missing from the videos!  Listening to one of the world’s best, if not “the” best, electric guitar players was a “wow” experience.
 
As I revel in the memories the morning after, I find myself reflecting on what it means to “be the best”.  Almost without comment I find myself in an old dialogue between two points of view.  The looping conversation goes like this.
 
“You said to yourself, ‘I'll climb to heaven.  I'll set my throne over the stars of God.  I'll run the assembly of angels that meets on sacred Mount Zaphon.  I'll climb to the top of the clouds.  I'll take over as King of the Universe!’ 
 
But you didn't make it, did you?  Instead of climbing up, you came down—down with the underground dead, down to the abyss of the Pit.” (Isaiah 14.13-15) 
 
I know I haven’t failed but what have I done?  I find there is a different way of looking at the question which is often shared between God’s kids.  Being the best is no longer about climbing the ladder, achieving a skill set, or even being recognized as “winning” the game.  Being the best is about realizing moment with Divinity.  Moments come when we just “be” with God.  Moments come when we “are” God in the journeys of those around us. 
 
“Joe” was incredible last night, truly inspirational.  You and I carry an invitation to be the same with and for God.  It is a choice.