Some books are obvious by their covers, so are some people. As I watched a parade today the themes were amazing given the stately occasion and family atmosphere. Dances of fertility mixed with celebrating the human spirit as they passed before the royal box and tens of thousands of spectators. Amazing costumes offset by scantily glad women who looked old enough to have known better made for some rather simple deductions. The nations represented called themselves countries of God and Queen. So our conclusions must be right, eh? It is a simple process of adding 1 plus 1.
I’m not so sure. I do know if I was to walk in his or her steps given my background that anyone watching the spectacle would be right to question my judgment, but I am not the one out on display.
As we walked by the finish something changed my mind; it was the reaction and treatment of the participants to each other. Lining the streets were people who had already finished the parade. Every nation of the Commonwealth was represented; from New Zealand to Canada, South Africa to Bangladesh, Jamaica to Australia, and points in between. Indians and Africans dressed conservatively in the saris and dresses clapped and cheered feather clad dancers and Jamaicans in their blue blazers and white trousers alike. North African’s congratulated their natural enemies with smiles and handshakes.
The difference was simple; everyone understood what purpose of the day. They were gathered to recognize and celebrate the Queen’s golden jubilee. Regardless of what appeared on the surface or how different the values represented were from their own, they all came together for a common purpose.
It is obvious isn’t it? “We justify our actions by appearances; God judges our motives.” (Proverbs 21.2)
I have no idea how I would explain this to someone assuming the worst. I do know that I have the opportunity to lift others up. The best I can do is just what happened on the Embankment today; clap, cheer, and lift others to God. It is obvious, isn’t it?
