New Place, Old Feel

It's a strange thing to be in a place that seems familiar but is, of course, all things new. Right now I am indulging my senses and soaking up my current surroundings while at a local coffee shop in Jerusalem: The Coffee Bean.

I'm sitting here, drinking a soy chai latte (goodness knows how much I have longed for our sweet reunion...), letting Mazzy Star drown me in her song, Fade Into You, as it plays in the background. This song allows me to just, be, and do something I oh-so-love: people watch.

I'm watching as I see friends and couples re-connect, sipping over coffee, eating their salads, sandwiches, and all things Kosher. Amongst the crowd I see the devout Jews, the Rabbis, and many followers of Jewish law. I also see, of course, the new wave crowd: the young, hip, and fashionably forward Israelis. They all seem to be enjoying this particular Sunday as much as I am, using this day as a day of refreshment, renewal. It's a nice thing to be able to expand my normal views from time to time.

Now what I see: beautiful architecture that reminds me of my time in Florence, for the streets are lined with balconies and other simple pleasantries. Among the top of my "Favorites" list are the flowers that seem to be reaching out to me as they hang over the edge of the window sills--beckoning me to notice their beauty. Praise be to God for how he puts all of the wonderful details found in nature to ever-reflect His glory. I also feel the hustle and the bustle of a much more advanced, civilized place (which, is strange to admit knowing how old Jerusalem is...I mean, to think I walked past Old Jerusalem, and saw blocks of bricks from King Herod's reign!). Wow. Simply, wow.

Hard to believe that I am also only 20 minutes or so away from the school. Seems like worlds away.

Today after I passed through the check point to come into Jerusalem, I began to talk with two elderly Arab women. Both of which radiated love from within their souls (This is not an uncommon occurrence. Arabs have this way of speaking double blessings whenever they talk. "Hello!" "Hello, hello to you!" "Thank you." "Thank you, thank you to you! and so on and so on..."). We talked of course, with the little Arabic I know, but by the end of our 2 minute conversation you would think that we were long-lost friends, reuniting after a prolonged separation. I mean, I did after all receive an invitation to her home ...along with her name, telephone number, and traveling directions. Slightly overwhelming to be received with such love, but equally, I was so grateful to feel welcomed, accepted.

With a simple wave and kisses abounding on the cheeks, I left my sweet new friends and boarded the bus for Jerusalem.

While on the bus I just happened to think of a phrase I saw posted on a wall: "PEACE begins with ME." --and I couldn't agree more. I need to continually allow Christ's love to just flow out of me, and not hold on to feelings of fear, doubt, or anxiety. See people as God sees them.

My prayer is for Jerusalem today. I pray that this place would seek peace. That barriers would fall and people would begin to see people as God sees them: beautifully and wonderfully made, worthy of love. Yes, we all have our differences. But, what matters most, is God's view. And, it is my thought, that he views us as one. One people. I pray that we one day live under that title. Praying for the action steps towards this cause, that they be swift and smooth. Praying we would all learn to depend fully on Him in and for everything. He so much longs to be loved and known by His creation...

So yes, praying peace begins with me today, tomorrow, and the days to come.