Windows

The big house had lots of windows. The family room had one entire wall of ten windows and the dining room also had ten windows – spread around three sides of the room. Each of the bedrooms had at least 2 windows. In the big house, we could gaze out at the world around us while staying comfortable and insulated from the weather. In fact, I have whole photo albums – like “my windows on winter” – recording the outside beauty from inside vantage points. However, this new place has only three windows – meaning that I can’t see what’s happening out there from inside. I must step outside to enjoy or to assess the surroundings. I must make myself vulnerable and get out there. Yikes. 

It rather reminds me of my former existence within the institutional church. I was happily occupied with all kinds of ministries. I could observe the world around me while staying safe and comfortable – insulated from the conditions out there. I even hosted an annual event that I called "window on the world."

However, now that I am outside the walls, I feel vulnerable and more than a bit uncomfortable. But I also realize that “out here” is where I need to be if I want to engage the culture and really live the love of Jesus. My perspective was in dire need of correction – which could have only happened outside. I must now learn how to live and love out here in the real world.