For All To See

There’s been a lot of sunshine recently. For some parts of the country, yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far. In the garden the birds are coming down to the evaporating pond for a drink and a bath; the flowers, vegetables and weeds are all growing – for all to see.

I walked on the beach early this morning. A group of people were swimming in the sea. Folks out walking – with and without dogs – were wearing t-shirts and shorts – arms and legs, usually covered, are there for all to see.

I’ve had several conversations recently about tattoos… changing attitudes… their designs and description as ‘body art’… their significant cost… young people possibly regretting them in the future… their placement and coverage of different anatomical parts. There for all to see.

Yesterday I was chatting to a friend. I’ll call her Karen. Karen’s a single mum, with a teenage daughter, Jess. Last year Jess had a boyfriend, Aaron, of whom Karen most certainly did not approve. Karen was pleased when the relationship ended.

Apparently Aaron’s got another girl pregnant. Karen’s relieved it isn’t Jess. Aaron’s ‘indiscretion’ is becoming plain for all to see.

This week I’ve been musing on the public nature of life. Shakespeare reminds us, ‘All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players…’ I’m an actor on a stage. My words, actions and interactions are all clearly visible, for all to see.

My audience observes my ‘indiscretions’, faults, failures… my pride, thoughtlessness, self-centredness… responding with criticism, disinterest, acceptance, understanding…

Recently at church we’ve thought about God’s Holy Spirit that brings love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These life-characteristics are never private and personal. Their presence or absence in my life is always public – lived out on my stage for all to see.

And as I, in turn, am in the audience for those around me, living their lives for all to see, I shall seek to watch with greater empathy, generosity and gratitude.