Looking and Seeing

Beloved:
            He had no luggage.  He played no music.  He held out no coin-catching cup.  He made no eye contact with people passing by as he sat quietly on the sidewalk with a cardboard sign leaning against his chest.  It read,  "Any random act of kindness is a blessing."

            Maybe he is homeless.  Maybe he’s a sociologist.  I’ve decided he is the necessary prophet for such a time as this ~ simply inviting strangers to be kind and responding kindly no matter what.  His name is Kevin.  He has a ponytail and the prettiest brown-green eyes.  Our two exchanges totaled no more than three minutes, but he’s the preacher I remember best from the Festival of Homiletics last week in downtown Minneapolis.  More than anything, he was simply present where people are - the gentlest reminder that human beings are more kin than strangers.  We only need look and see each other, right here, right now.

            Another joy of Minneapolis in May is the lilac!  Nearly all of them are purple, and the entire downtown smells wonderful.  That said, it’s lovely being home.  I hope to see you tomorrow evening at Wednesday Night Supper and Sunday morning when we gather for 

worship.  Following our Church Council meeting, the Fellowship Committee will host a meal of Carl’s finest and a big cake to celebrate together Andy’s graduation from High School.  Please come and enjoy this feast together as we celebrate this special occasion as a family.
You are so dear to me!