Wallpaper

One of my favorite scenes from the movie "Toys" is when Captain Patrick Zevo, in his perfect camouflage with the wallpaper, steps away from the wall. No one knew he had been in the room. An odd scene to remember, especially considering all of the unique toys, the incredible sets, and Robin Williams as the main character, but it's one that resonates with me. If I could, I would rather be camouflaged into the wallpaper than sitting in a seat of prominence, with eyes focused towards me. Oh, I do find myself in that focused position rather frequently, but that only confirms to me that it's not my own desires - but that I'm giving into, and relying on the Spirit. On Monday I posted a photo that I took at the church picnic. I'm a visual person and I thought it was time to incorporate a little interest beside the text. I made deliberate choices about which photo to use; I cropped and manipulated levels to help make the photo as neutral as possible but still demonstrated that rock climbing was involved. I contacted the mom to make sure I wasn't crossing any boundaries, and assured her that only about 10 people even knew that I was posting. This is why I don't live in the world of absolutes: You make a statement, it gets cut in half. :-) Two days after that posting, that specific entry was mentioned in Jane's Journeys as an alternative reading for the day. Well, everyone knows that Jane has millions of faithful readers! (I don't live in absolutes anymore) What about my private little space? What about the photo? What happened to my camouflage? It's okay... I'm at peace. I'm sure of grace. It's not about my desires, it's not my page. It belongs to the congregation. In the movie, when Captain Zevo steps away from the wallpaper he joins forces with the heroes of the story. They are the champions of the toys that had been cast aside, that had no voice, that had no hope. You know, it may be time to rent that movie again, I think I've changed since the last time I saw it.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, when we allow your vision to surpass our own misgivings and shortcomings, we can marvel at the changes within us and around us. Help us to be mindful of those who linger on the edges, who are waiting for the nerve and the encouragement to step into their role in your greater mission. When we think in absolutes we are shortening our horizons and limiting our responses. Open up the myriad of challenges, opportunities, and possibilites to further your kingdom. Our God is an awesome God! Amen.