Susan LaffertyIt hit me in a different way that day.
The gathering of family and friends to commission this latest group of sent ones. Newly trained. Now on their way. To places all over the globe.
It hit me when I saw the expressions. On parents’ faces.
Pride. Joy. Grief. And for some—uncertainty. Perhaps, even anger.
The time had come. For releasing their kids and grandkids. To travel across oceans and borders. Into a new and different life of serving in another culture.
In flight, I glance out the window. Plane views offering perspective. Patterns visible from 20,000+ feet.
As a kid, I begged for a seat by the window. Delighting in views as we gained altitude.
Watching tiny cars travel small, neat lanes. Between miniature houses all lined up in rows. Rivers curving, shining in the sun through cities and countrysides.
Fields of various colors appearing so perfectly arranged. In squares and rectangles.
On clear nights, myriads of lights indicated cities, towns, villages far below. Captivating. Spurring on my imagination.
Forgiven little? Loving little.
Simon invites Jesus to a meal in his home. Holding Him at arm’s length. Studying the Master.
And in the midst of critical scrutiny, he foregoes the most basic act of hospitality.
Washing the feet of his guest.
