Message

We were relaxed, comfortable, and probably just a little bit out of it.  That is what comes to anyone on a red-eye from New York to London in British Airway’s Club class.  Our brains were not quite there, having struggled with the sleep, noise, and the normal uncertainties of flying five miles above the restless sea.  I’m not sure what his request was but the answer was clear. 
 
“No.  Please put that away.  You must do it now!  This is a legal requirement.”  The stride as the attendant walk away screamed even louder than the words floating over my head. 
 
The comment was a little bit puzzling.  We still had a good thirty minutes before we were going to land.  Yes, there was and is a requirement to clear the space around us before we land.  The puzzle came from the gentleman dozing across the isle from us.  Shoes, papers on the floor, an extra blanket wadded up next to the shoes, and even a stray water bottle or two.  Nothing was ever said about or to the individual.  There was no obvious point of discrimination – yet the difference was blatantly obvious!
 
The paradox isn’t new or unique.  I have long since lost count of the number of English Premiership football games which were decided by the Refs.  It was as if they were determined which side should win!  Stars in all sports have an advantage.  Those in position of power appear to operate by different rules.  Some companies even have different policies for what they will and will not pay for by your title.  The irony doesn’t end here.  Politicians seem to operate by different rules.  The difference even spills out into how I believe I should be treated.  I’m special so I have different rules than you do!  My failings are excusable, yours are not.  What’s the message?
 
I live with the hope things will be different.  My prayer is simply this; that “they know now, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that everything you [Divinity] gave me is firsthand from you.” (John 17.7)