New Perspective

Three plus decades on, high school takes on a new perspective.  I still recall my emotions of that time long ago; highs and lows, intensities beyond my imagination.  Whatever I might I have thought of my peers, nothing really prepared me for what actually unfolded when we came together.  The biggest surprise cam in the enjoyment I found being in simply being with them.  Even in the moments where they were sharing something I was not ever a part of I sensed I was part of a family.  Yesterday’s heirarchies were gone, kings long forgotten, and offences forgiven.  The new perspectives were incredible, filled in so many different ways with hope.
 
Who knew?  “Those who lived high and mighty he [God] knocked off their high horse.  He used the city built on the hill as fill for the marshes.  All the exploited and outcast peoples build their lives on the reclaimed land.”  (Isaiah 26.5, 6)
 
As I listened to great stories and sad ones, surprises and predictions come true, I found myself looking at life with fresh perspectives.  I cannot imagine anything more important than community.  If we cannot care for the people entrusted to us in our relationships, do we care at all?  If we cannot treasure the gifts great and small, anticipated and unexpected, do we actually have a heart?  If we cannot see how unselfish others can be, will we always refuse to be blind?
 
I have incurred a debt I cannot directly repay.  It was given freely, without thought of recompense.  I can give what I have received to others – as openly and without reservation as I found it when it was given to me.  This gift will bring a new perspective to others willing to receive.  The gift is priceless – it is my heart and yours, my love and yours, my acceptance and yours.  With these in my life and yours it is good to be alive.  I pray you will live fully, engaged in your community.  It’s a great way to discover what we’ve held for some time; Hope.