One my my very first classes in post-secondary education was an english literature class at Dawson College-it was a class focused on Dante’s Inferno. My professor was a dramatic guy, so usually after each paragraph or so he would stop the class completely and yell, “What a scene!” He did this to help us appreciate the drama of what we just read together, and because of him I’ve learned to slow down, stop, and appreciate what I’m blessed enough to witness.
Sometimes it’s so easy to let moments slip by. Routine and repetition makes the novelty of what we do day by day wear off quickly. Something that once amazed us can now pass us by without phasing us in the slightest.
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These are some of today’s events.
My girlfriend went out of her way to buy me a delicious chicken sandwich because she knew I had a terrible lunch and was craving something to satisfy my hunger. She handed it to me as if it was no big deal.
What a scene.
My fellow MV Apple Lacbay stopped to speak to a homeless man who actually remembered her name even though the last time they spoke was weeks ago. This happened on Concordia University’s campus, which is where this man had graduated years ago.
What a scene.
Today, babies were born.
What a scene that must’ve been.
Today, people died.
What a sad scene.
Somewhere out there, a father was teaching his son how to ride a bike.
What a heartfelt scene.
Somewhere out there, a husband was abusing his wife.
What an unfortunate scene, but a scene nonetheless.
Dante went through in hell in a very literal sense. Some of us are meant to grow by witnessing acts of extreme compassion and beauty. Others are still yet blessed even through witnessing tragedies and heartbreak. In this community, I feel as if we’re called to create moments that fall in the latter.
The next time I witness a brother lead worship I will stop and say, “What a scene!”
The next time I see a member donate to ANCOP I will stop and say, “What a scene!”
The next time I see a couple coordinator walk into the room with their children I will stop and say, “What a scene!”
The next time I see a sister on her knees deep in prayer I will stop and say, “What a scene!”
The next time I see a full-time pastoral worker see their family after months of being separated I will stop and say, “What a scene!”
The next time the Lord calls me to leave behind what I’m doing for something greater I will stop and say, “Thank you Lord, for this scene.”
Jesse R.
“I Am, and We are Missionaries”