Skepticism

As we returned from a three-hour boat excursion on the Kinabatangan River in Sabah, Robert began to explain our evening schedule.  Dinner at seven-thirty followed by a night excursion on the river at eight thirty.  To say that we were skeptical does not even begin to capture our reaction.  There are no river lights in Borneo that I know of.  The idea that somehow anyone could safely see crocodiles, pythons, civet cats, monkeys, and most of all birds up close in the dark defied our imaginations.  Besides we had already seen most of the above in the afternoon, what more could we possibly see.
Much to our surprise, we showed up at eight-thirty ready to go.  The ninety minutes that followed were truly amazing!  Our two guides did not care about our doubts.  They could see what we could not.  In the course of the next couple of hours, we found ourselves staring at pythons, small and large crocodiles, giant frogs, monkeys, a monster sized jungle mouse (about the size of a small possum from Tennessee), and several exotic birds.  We were close to everything, especially the birds that sleep with open eyes.
The Borneo river night excursion is a true memory keeper.
I wonder how often my skepticism keeps me from experiencing or doing what the Spirit knows is possible.  There are examples of those that take the leap.  When others doubted, “their suspicions didn't slow Saul down for even a minute.  His momentum was up now and he plowed straight into the opposition, disarming the Damascus Jews and trying to show them that this Jesus was the Messiah.”  (Acts 9.22)  He took on the world one person at a time.
Today is filled with opportunities.  When someone does not believe compassion is possible, I could be the one to demonstrate.  If someone is certain mercy is beyond reach, I could be the one to bring it.  As others struggle to be in relationships, I could bring community to them.  You and I can be the difference, no matter how skeptical they might be.