Writing a new post on Friday is like releasing a new book on Dec. 26th. Regardless of how thought provoking or enticing, the timing is just a little off. Perhaps I should wait until Monday. Where's the fun in that? This is a blog for Christ sake, not a book release! Heck, let's go.
I love to travel. It's no secret. Why? Probably because I'm obsessed with people, with culture, with diversity, with ethnicity, and with expression. There is something fascinating in the language, in the music, in the rhythm of a new place. Wouldn't you agree?
What about the colors? Have you ever stopped long enough to notice? Each place has its own beauty. Each has its own vibe. Each its own colors. The colors normally tell the story.
I've had the opportunity to travel to many cities throughout the U.S. I've also spent significant time in various countries. These experiences have taught me invaluable truths and widely opened my worldview. The people, along the way, have empowered me to dream and have helped in shaping my values and belief system. The young boy who grew up in small town USA has now been influenced by New York, L.A., Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, Belfast, Dublin, London, Glasgow, Toronto, etc. I forgot to mention the mid-size cities in Mexico and France... you get the point!
So, these young eyes have seen a lot of colors and lots of customs. I've learned that "tradition" can be quite intoxicating. I've experienced new forms or art everywhere I've been. I've danced new dances, sung new songs, and eaten new foods. I've also encountered the beauty of diversity. I've worn different clothes, communicated in different languages, and loved in different ways.
Each place is unique all unto itself. Each city affords a different experience. Each people group provides a special memory.
And yet, what I have learned more than anything else, is that people everywhere are not that dissimilar from one another. We all have the same starving needs in our hearts. The need to be loved, to be accepted, to be believed in, to be understood. This universal aching is how we are hard-wired. Maybe the Creator really did know what he was doing. More than anything else, we are wired for connectivity and community. How awesome is that?
4 comments:
Welcome back!! Want to hear something funny?!
I slept in a bit this morning because I stayed up late last night. I was dreaming that I was doing some sort of covert op (a la Mission Impossible) and my cell-phone (a razr) was a super powered hi tech spy gadget and I was using it to avoid security guards at this Museum I was breaking into. Why I was breaking into a museum I have no clue, but I digress.
Anyways, I must've tripped a silent alarm or something because I ran into a rent-a-cop who then radioed in for back up. Right about the time I was getting ready to use my flash-bang mode on my razr, the phone started ringing. You'll never guess who it was...
You!
And to think I woke up to a text message from you. Like I said pretty funny.
Welcome back!!
I've traveled a bit too, not quite as much, but one of my favorite places is London. I enjoyed the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the Urban jungle there. ANd the rural areas right outside were so beautiful.
Anyways, you're right people everywhere are God's children, some prodigal, some home, some running from, some running to.
Russ, thanks bro!
I could have possibly just saved your life. You never know what that rent-a-cop was up to. Just another example of being hard-wired for community, I guess.
I thought of the song "Fast Car" when I read your comment. It's such a good song, eh?
Awesome! Good to have you back ...if only for a little while in the US. PS
PS, thank you!
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