Answer: Quite dreadful.
Both descended into a fit of giggles and agreed: Then we're on the right track.
We are being transformed. People don't annoy me any more, rude neighbours, on the receiving end of an undeserved criticism or nasty complaint. Ignorance and lack of manners generally, neglect by those we had hoped would care. And those who really enjoy 'winding others up' a modern euphemism for hoping their victim will loose his/her temper and the just plain vindictive.
Instead of anger I feel pity. One look and you see the captive, a lifeless smile that never leaves their lips, the hard cold stare and in some eyes a darkness that is pure evil. Children of the here and now.
Situations that hitherto would have invoked fear of confrontation or distress leave my mind unruffled, unafraid, merely observing the torment of someone writhing in irritation and angst at my very words or presence.
MATTHEW 15 - 13-14
Yeshua said:
Every plant which my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone.
They are blind leaders of the blind, and if the blind lead the blind both will fall into a ditch.
Then you recognise a true kindred spirit, a light that shines in their eyes, their willingness to sacrifice and serve others without any need for recognition or accolade, His children, a people readied for His Kingdom to come. Now more than ever "The time of testing" as the battle intensifies.
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A few days ago I had arrived at the local bus station pulling a heavily laden shopping trolley.
The stage for my route was empty and I gladly sank onto a seat next to the boarding doors. I had a thirty minute wait for the next bus, but no matter.
When the bus eventually arrived, I was engrossed in thought, and hardly noticed a queue of people moving in front of me to board. An elderly lady smiled and said "Oh I'm sorry, you were here first" I replied "its quite alright, this bus is never full, there will be room for everyone"
Having hauled my heavy load on to the bus single handed I lurched towards the nearest empty seat and found myself confronted by a well dressed middle aged woman. In a loud voice that her captive audience couldn't fail to hear she commented "Excuse me, no, its not all right. People have no manners and if we don't complain they will keep on doing it.
I thought of C.S. Lewis's description in the Great Divorce. A complaining woman arrives on the edge of heaven determined to claim what was hers. The husband had already escaped her clutches. But he belonged to her and where was he? A spirit guide tried to advise her otherwise and still arguing she was sent back to Grey Town.
My journey continued and every so often the woman stared in my direction looking for sign of collusion and she waited in vain. Eventually the bus halted on the edge of a large expensive private housing development and the woman departed having failed to make any impact or cause any aggravation.
One can only wonder how she would react in the future facing a panic stricken mob, when a bar of gold would not buy a loaf of bread, when the treasured possessions she hoarded just disappeared in a sea of flames, when she finally realised she was no longer in control of her journey or destiny.
Perhaps the words from a beautiful ballad Circle, written by Joel Friedman and Cynthia Weil sung by Barbra Streisand on her album "Higher Ground" covers all.
For none of us are travelling through this universe alone.
Off to dig out my WWJD bracelet to remind myself constantly that Yeshua, despite getting angry with the money changers and the pharisees, well who doesn't, was gentle and compassionate because He knew many would not see or hear His message, or understand the glory of His Kingdom to come.
SHALOM SHALOM SHALOM
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