Paradox

As the sun beats down on the city streets
It illuminates the bay windows and the green trees
Bringing warmth as travellers discard their coats and hats they could have left at home

The light illuminates the complexity and simplicity
The complexity of colliding culture and beliefs
SUV's next to Vespa Scooters
Green trees with roots under concrete
Beautiful hats costing hundreds of dollars and a wet pair of jeans for free
Colors, shapes and sizes ccollide and clash and join together

But the energy never fades
Some hand out flyers while others voice their beliefs in more subtle ways
Bicycles and tasty vegan restaurants,
Community Centers and graffiti mocking sweat shop produced clothing

the light somehow gives me hope, quickens my step
Reminds me of the provision from Adonai

I watch 2 birds peck away at a fancy croissant
As the line only grows to the French cafe
Now 4 birds share the meal, now 5
As the man strolls by with his shopping cart
Full of blankets, clothes and bottles, now 6
They eat together, their heads bobbing up and down
Frantic energy, pecking away

the humans walk by and around the birds
Walking to some destination
Commenting on the beautiful day
Enjoying their food or coffee
Many have companions, friends, wives, children, roommates, dogs
Others walk alone

Each of us crafted with love
Designed with care by the Creator
Made in the image of the God of the universe
Searching for friendship, joy, peace, love, hope, purpose
Meaning in the midst of the chaos
All of these faces created by One
Noses and dimples and muscles and hair

And the Creator knows intimately
And the Creator loves intimately
Some acknowledge and some refuse
But Adonai knows and Adonai loves

May we simply love with His love
Love in the diversity, Love in the complexity
of wealth and poverty

Love in the crazy mix of creativity
Love with generosity