The exchange was brief.
In Dutch, “Do you understand Dutch?”
The young man looked up from his Dutch book startled.
Automatically, “Do you understand English?”
In mixed Dutch and English, “I understand and speak English and Dutch.”
By this time his answer did not matter. The flight attendant had already drawn her conclusion; this is an “English language” only passenger. While the message was received with a perplexing look, she blissfully delivered the instruction on how to open the emergency exit on the plane.
We draw conclusions and act on them all the time, long before we are aware of their truth. People who are attractive get our attention. If you are successful, at least initially we will almost automatically want to share time together.
The opposite is also true. “An unlucky loser is shunned by all, but everyone loves a winner.” (Proverbs 14.20)
How does one know that the person is a winner or loser? Are there telltale surface indications or marks? Do we somehow, if only subconsciously, cling to the class systems of centuries long since passed?
During the past few days, I have met an incredible range of new people. I have, unfortunately, already classified them in my mind. The “A” list in one group, “B” list in another, and then there is the “Z” list. Some got there through the slimmest observation or conversation, others with long experience. The harsh fact is that I have automatically put some one a list that gets less of my attention, compassion, than others. The contrast is that God loves each equally, unconditionally, and totally.
God sees our surface differences. He knows the nuances that make up the dark corners of your life and mine. While He hates the self-god that each of us carry within, He also sees us through eyes colored by the most intense compassion possible. So much so that part of the Divine died so that you and I might be recreated.
The start is brief. “I love you just as and where you are.” It is, for each, an awesome opportunity.
