Some observations

Beloved: Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from?Is it not from your passions that make war within your members? (James 4: 1)

This morning on the bus I was distracted from my perusing of the paper by some raised voices. Two people, a man and a woman were involved in a heated argument. I was not clear if they were strangers to each other. Despite their raised voices, I also could not distinctly hear the topic of their disagreement. But from their tones it was obvious it was something each felt passionately about and that their opinions on the matter varied greatly. From their body language - each turned away from the other even as they engaged in argument - it was clear that they were quite angry with each other and not open to hearing the others' point of view. Soon enough their argument ended with no agreement reached, other than that each felt the other should "shut up."

This was across the aisle from me. In the seat in front of me were two women, engaged in a pleasant conversation, apparently oblivious to the commotion across the way. They were touching on some of the major topics and controversy of the day, from the relocation of the bus mall to the school funding crisis to the cold weather we've been experiencing and the effects on the homeless. They did not agree on all topics, but seemed to have an openness of heart and to each other. I assumed they were good friends, but as the bus pulled into downtown they shook hands and introduced themselves to each other.

There are lessons to be learned from these observations to be sure. Worth some reflecting, but not now. My morning break is over and there are matters of the day to which I need to attend! May I approach this day with an openness of heart and to those who cross my path.