HELLO!

Today began at a drop-centre, sitting with two gents, a senior who lived most of his life in Scotland and a younger man who finds work in warehouses, remains at the job till he gets laid off, and then repeats this process with another search. I enjoyed the conversation, in large part because few know me here, and I can be anonymous, inquisitive, to my seatmates, I am a friendly stranger. I never ask personal questions, it’s easy for me as I am not a “nosy person”, my interests in others has more to do with how they find meaning in their day, what makes them happy, how they find support, when they need it. Everyone is unique, I do no not assume anyone finds meaning, is made happy or finds support as I do. However, I may meet someone, who is searching for alternative, who reminds me of this person. I bank these conversations and recall the specifics when needed. And there come a time when I too need to remember how others make their way through challenges.

There is well-known Bible verse that comes to mind as I consider curiosity. For now we see through a glass, darkly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Corinthians 13:12 Sometimes, what we require is that we see things from the other perspective. (Or, in some instances, multiple perspectives.)

I believe life is meant to be experienced in community, a puzzle with many parts, some with jagged edges, some round, some easy to fit with others, some that take time to place. I feel our Creator made us this way for a purpose, to remove the conceit, the arrogant assumption, that our way is THE WAY, that others can teach us, reveal to us, pathways to hope.

Of course, not all ways are good and healthy ways. Progressives sometimes need to check our words, when we say things like “all ways are the right ways”. Not true. We need to be clear that some attempts to find meaning do lead to more pain and suffering. But just because we know there are limits, does not mean the alternatives are “my way or no way”. Being curious allows us to see/know/feel other ways to our destination, beloved community. It means being open, interested, and invested in what others share with us. If you were to ask me about finding peace, hope, joy or love, I would tell you about a lot of different pathways I have witnessed, usually I try to share the ones that remind me of the one I am speaking with. If you ask about my pathway, I will tell you. But I make no assumption you would resonate with my path.

I am grateful for the variety of people I meet every day, people like you.

Peace, Kevin