Kaleidoscope

Yesterday an organization which I helped to start was recognized for its interfaith work with high school students. As often is the case on occasions like this I was given a gift. When I got back to my office I opened the box that was in the bag they gave me. In it was a kaleidoscope with a stand for it to sit on.

I immediately set it on my desk.
Now I am waiting for one of the children who sometimes stop by my office to say Hello to come in and see it. I imagine the conversation might go something like this.

Child: Hi Pastor Paul! What’s this!
Me: It’s a kaleidoscope. Would you like to look at it?
Child: Says nothing, but immediately picks up the kaleidoscope and looks through it.
Me: Turn the wheels on the end.
Child: Wow. That’s beautiful.
Me: What makes it so beautiful.
Child: There are so many colors and it is always changing.
Me: It wouldn’t be so beautiful if there was just one color, would it?
Child: No. (said as they put the kaleidoscope down in its holder ready to do something else.)  Bye.

It wouldn’t be as beautiful if it were only one color, would it?
Not just for my kaleidoscope, but for you and me and the world in which we live, as well.

And, as I write this, my thoughts and prayers reach out to the community of Ferguson, MO and to the family and friends of the young adult shot today in the Brooklyn and for all those other people and places torn apart by division and hurt and fear. And, in the end, prayers for us all.