Naive

They are everywhere!  You find them crowding the streets around Times Square, walking in line by the World Trade Center, and gathering for instructions in the Seaport.  The gleam in their eyes is infectious.  You can feel their excitement, curiosity, and fear when you are near.  It is as if their naivety overwhelms and accentuates openness to everything New York City has to offer.  The good news is how much safer, cleaner, and presentable the city is.  The bad news is the danger lurking beneath the surface for the innocents.
 
Life is like that.  We think we are street smart only to find ourselves getting caught up and out when we least expect it!  Those who are just slightly on guard while being open to things new seem to have the advantage.  Rather than make the rash statements they hesitate and wait; is now the right time?  This approach to the unknown is far wiser than many realize.  Rashness has consumed even the strongest across time.  Jesus was on the verge of extreme danger and he knew it.  Despite the warnings, most involved had no clue.  In this context rash and na?ve statements abounded.
 
“‘Master,’ said Peter, ‘why can't I follow now?  I'll lay down my life for you!’”  (John 13.37) 
 
I wonder how na?ve my remarks often are.  I know I miss the bigger context, ignorantly miss the danger signals, and even gloss over those who would take advantage of the innocents.  In far too many ways I am as excited and na?ve as the kids arriving on the streets of New York. 
 
There is an alternative. 
 
Imagine a world where one listens before speaking.  Consider life where people are looking to learn and experience instead of teach.  What would life be like if we truly lived as if we were a viable, nurturing, and thriving community?  Today is an opportunity to take a step or two towards this reality!  We can make a difference to those around us and most importantly for our self.  There are no barriers; everything is open.  We can choose.