Today was free day at the Denver Zoo, and let me just say it was a total zoo!! Pun intended. As I watched people milling around it became clear to me that phrase was really about people and not animals. We were surrounded by a sea of people acting as if they thought they were the only people in the zoo who wanted to walk anywhere or see anything, we were inundated by parents screaming obscenities at each other and there children, we were overwhelmed by girls in less than modest clothing; all I could think was "This is a total zoo!"
My little RJ looked up at me as we were attempting to make our way toward the exit, "Why are people bumping me, don't they know it is rude?" I didn't know what to say. All day long I was asking my children to watch out, hold doors, and keep moving so that everyone behind us would have a chance to see. Although hot, tired and frustrated we treated each other, and everyone else, with kindness and respect; all we got in return was pushed and shoved and stared at as if we were from mars (whenever we did something kind and honoring for someone else, or whenever my children listened the first time to a kind, gentle instruction) I'm not saying we were perfect there were some arguments over who got to hold the camera and the map, there was a lot of whining toward the end of the day, and we were a little agitated at times, but I really think we were a light of respect in a world darkened by selfishness.
"For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'" Gal 5:14 (NASB)
2 comments:
I agree 100%! It seems like every where I go there is someone who is being rude and bumping into me. Why are they allowed to bump us, but are angry when we accidentally knock into them? It seems like they don't even notice the people they are jostling! :)
Molly Metzger
We recently went to Legoland and Disneyland on our trip to CA, so I know exactly how you feel!!!
--Noah Metzger
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