I go to meetings early. I get there a half an hour early, and wait in the parking lot, or just around the corner from the people who I am going to meet with. I would leave for the airport six hours early to make sure that I am in the Pearson Airport in good time. I would rather wait there than in traffic. I have tried to be more “ just in time “ for my meetings. But, just yesterday, I was in Milverton 15 minutes before I was to make a pastoral call, and waited along the main street before I went for the visit. Ugh.
Last week , I was to meet our youngest son for dinner on King Street . I work just south of downtown, and I went a half an hour early. I wanted to know where the restaurant was situated. I could have used Google maps. I work about five minutes from downtown, but I arrived a good thirty-five minutes before the time that we agreed to meet.
So I hung out in Kitchener City Hall Square just around the reflecting pool. I sat down on the south side of the Square, and immediately smelled smoke. It was cigarette smell because some people around me had lit up. I work in smoke-free environments, and it caught me by surprise. I live in a bubble here in Elmira. It was quite busy in the Square in the late afternoon. There were people going in and out of City Hall. Many of them had tattoos. I felt out of place because I do not have tattoos. Some of the people might have been homeless or people who live in and out of shelters . And, was beginning to judge at this point.
The people who were in the Square are seemingly so different from me. I met some men who were playing chess on the table on the north side of the Square. I felt out of place, and probably looked nervous. I could not relax, not because I was worried for my safety, but I felt like I did not belong, But, in reality I am no different from anyone else.
I have traveled the world. My wife and I lived overseas for four years in Europe and Thailand. I have led tours to Turkey, Greece, Paraguay , Uzbekistan and other places. I think I am open and have seen many things. I have seen poverty in India and Vietnam, but this experience shook me. What was I watching for as I sat, and walked around the Square ? I live in a bubble here in Elmira.
So I was surprised by my attitude, but I have not yet arrived to the person that I would like to be in this world. God, for me, is still working on my character, and I have much to learn, The Apostle Paul, an early church leader talks in his letter to the people of Philippi about how great he was before he had his Damascus Road experience. He was transformed and now all that is rubbish.
I live in my own bubble. “ Lord, break that bubble wrap that I am surrounded in, and allow me see the world with different eyes. “ Amen. So be it.
Fred Redekop
Ponder Anew 