Odd

I dropped into the conversation late.  With intense focus, a wide open mind, and a willingness to be led, I tried to follow the discussion.  The banter was flying back and forth.  Scribbles and drawings which could only make sense if you saw them appear were flying onto the white board in the office.  People were seriously engaged.  The language was clearly English.  I didn’t have a clue what was going on.  I couldn’t pick up the thread.  I found it odd because I could not connect the dots.  Even eighteen hours later I am still not sure what was actually being said.
 
Yet, I do know something.  The people in the room cared about the subject.  They were interested in my well being.  They are experts.  After ninety minutes of dialogue, confrontation, and more drawings, one point hit home!  Without trivializing everything else, that one point is priceless.  I can now see how the work was missing a critical element and I can do something about it.  I know, by being patient, there are those who care about the work I am engaged in.  There is more tangible hope now than there was before the meeting.  It may have been odd, but it was something that brought priceless results.
 
John notes a interesting point in the story of Jesus life.  He commented on how “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, but oddly, when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed on where he was for two more days.  After the two days, he said to his disciples, ‘Let's go back to Judea.’”  (John 11.5-7)  Clearly the behavior didn’t add up at the time, yet the future would bring some incredible surprises.
 
I wonder if I have missed opportunities because of my impatience.  Is there something God, family, or friends have wanted to do but couldn’t because I thought it was odd.  The idea of anyone giving unconditionally is odd in an age of only the strong surviving and earning every reward.  Yet this is exactly what God offers you and me today.