Dear Friends,
Our lives are deeply influenced by what and whom we encounter, and our encounters happen in a variety of ways – in the street, across the dining room table, in prearranged meetings, while walking the dog, through what we see on the television, in stories we open ourselves up to, both fictional and non-fictional. Encounter is, of course, at the heart of the Gospel stories of Jesus, as we watch him engage with very different folk in ways that are committed, sensitive, understanding, reassuring, compassionate and challenging. As we move into the new season of autumn and as we mark the beginning of another year, both in the academic cycle and the Methodist Church, I want to offer you the following prayer/poem, which encourages us not to underestimate the importance of what is happening when we come face to face with others – the difference it makes to us and the difference we ourselves can make.
With my best wishes to you all,
David
Face to Face
Let’s take a moment – and look into the face that lights up…
the spontaneous smile at the thrill of an unexpected encounter,
the broad grin that recognises the funny side of what is happening,
the fleeting moment of recognition, connection and gratitude,
the subtle communication of compassion and understanding.
Let’s take another moment – and look into the face that does not smile…
the deep sadness that stares only into the emptiness,
the contours of loneliness and isolation,
the blankness that conceals the anguish of pointlessness,
the silence of trauma.
Let’s take yet another moment – and look into the face that invites wondering and imagination…
the one on the train in the seat opposite – Where are you going? Where have you come from?
the one on the bus across the aisle – What is life like for you today?
the one in the portrait at the gallery – What stories would you have to tell?
the one in the photo at the grave – What does life mean for you now?
Let’s take still another moment – and look into the face that refuses to conform…
the turning away of the child who objects to having a photo taken,
the piercing eye that discerns injustice and corruption,
the shaping of the lips that utter “I protest.”
the weeping that rejects indifference.
Let’s take one final moment – and look into the face that the mirror sends back…
the reflecting that holds within it both challenge and comfort,
that says: “This is how you perceive yourself.”
that says: “This is not necessarily the way others see you.”
the reflecting that both disguises and reveals the precariousness of truth.
©DB