I can’t introduce you to these young Japanese men, because they were too deep into their own private worlds to ask their names when I took these pictures this week in Tokyo. I went to visit my son, Mark, for a couple days and he took me around the BIG city. Yes, that’s right ⎯ BIG ⎯ about 12 million big! Compare that figure to where you live! That’s 4,800 times bigger than Cordova, Alaska! Do the math: 2,500 x 4,800 = 12,000,000!
There were people everywhere. No privacy it seemed, except in places like these two fellows had found. As for the young man caught sleeping ⎯ it wasn’t on his job, but at 3:15 in the afternoon, probably during a break away from work. He was so sound asleep in front of a busy little sandwich shop at Roppongi Hills that nothing bothered him.
Fascinating thing is that the guy reading his book knew exactly when the train stopped at his station . . . and the one sleeping? Well, we went back by the sandwich shop a few minutes later . . . and he was gone. Yep, probably up and at ‘em, back on his job with enough energy to finish his day.
We all need a break; a private time; a place away from all the hustle, bustle and whirl of every day. Some can find it in a cup of coffee, or putting one’s feet up for a few minutes, taking a nap, reading, knitting or just sitting and listening to the quiet. Have you ever tried that? Just sit and listen to the quiet? If you listen hard enough, you just might hear God’s love.
A famous king said once to the love of his life, “Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.” Song 2:10 KJV.
Then there was another famous guy who asked a bunch of his friends, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?” And then he gave them some free advice! Yes, FREE advice! He said, “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me ⎯ watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn how to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message).
Why not this weekend go for that private getaway to God’s place and try listening for His love?
Ahhh, the pause that refreshes!