The lobby was silent. Security, individuals playing pool, and the sound of coffee being made and served had given way to empty seats and racked balls. My eyes and heart slowly took in the scene, thinking of the sounds of yesterday, imagining what would follow later in the day. Metaphorically, the scene and imagined individuals were waiting for a blessing to get on with the action! In my mind, with a bowed head I found myself repeating the words, “God’s peace be with all of you. Oh, yes!” (Romans 15.33)
This morning feels the same. Though the setting, artwork, and furniture have changed, the scene feels as if it is silently waiting for a blessing before the day begins. In response to the calling, I find myself repeating the words and resting in the gentle echo of the words as each moves slowly towards quietness.
With the pool table, I can anticipate what will follow. The sounds of the pool cue striking the ball. The momentary silence, which always seems longer than it is. The crack of the cue ball hitting the racked balls and the action that follows as the balls move in every direction. Action and movement mix with conversation and laughter in a repeating pattern as everyone gets into the game.
It only takes one propelled by a greater force to create movement. You, me, anyone can respond to the infusion of kindness and care. It may not immediately seem like it made a difference. The story of what follows is told in the lives we touch and how they touch others. Life reminds me that no individual is left unchanged.
Life is a series of steps. Love touched one which impels it to touch another. With this, movement happens. We find ourselves out in the open with an experience of what it means to be touched by a force greater than ourselves. We gave it away as we shared it with others.
In the morning’s silence and stillness, you and I are blessed. “God’s peace be with all of you.” (Romans 15.33)
