Anonymity or notice?

Something like 65 million people pass through London Heathrow airport every year - today I am one of the multitude.  I'm currently sipping a VERY average Americano on a stylish worn brown leather couch at Caffe Nero...somewhere amidst the millions.  I haven't seen anyone I know, yet.  I don't expect to.  Strangely, that excites me more than it probably should.  

Anonimity is a strange thing; at times it has a peculiar allure.  At least it does for me.  It seems to provide an opportunity to sit in the shadow land of society and chose to engage, or simply just be.  That makes me think, if this is how life is meant to be lived - anonimous? Or, is the tempting call of anonimity countercultural to our intended existance? 

My favorite band in college, Cademons Call, had a folky type sound.  One of their songs was about life in San Francisco.  One stanza went something like this:

I love anonymity and I 

love being noticed

just the same as anybody else

Years ago I told you how I love to be alone 

These days I'd be perjuring myself

That has always resonated with me because of the seemingly opposing dichotamy I adore; anonimity and acceptance.

The more I read about how life in the Kingdom of God is supposed to be, the more I'm compelled to seek a life in community instead of the often prefered anonimity.  Paul explained the people of God as a body, one body in fact. He wrote, "You are the body of Chirst, and each one of you is a part of it."  That suggests that we weren't so much created for a life of independance but of interdepandence:  GOD + ME + EVERYONE ElSE = LIFE.

Often I wish the equation was God + Me = Life.   Sometimes, I must confess, I wish the equation featured ME alone.  But the Kingdom life is one based on a synergy of interdependant parts working together to produce more than they would on their own.  

As I've passed through Heathrow this morning I've been anonomous. Yet, I'm moving towards Belfast where I'll spend the next 9 days proclaiming the Kingdom life that is much grander than life on my own.  I'll do this in community.  I think that's how it was always meant to be.

~SDG

p.s.  If you are in the Belfast, Northern Ireland and want to come say hello here's where I'll be the next few days:

1) Edenderry CE, Saturday 14th May, 8:00pm 

2) Granshaw Presbyterian Church, Sunday 15th May, 11:00am 

3) Portrush Presbyterian Church, Sunday 15th May, 7:00pm 

4) Carnmoney Presbyterian Church, Friday 20th May, 7:00pm • Boys Brigade service

5) The Well, Saturday 21st May, 7:00pm 

6) Ballysally Presbyterian Church, Sunday 22nd May, 11:00am 

7) Edenderry Presbyterian Church, Sunday 22nd May, 7:00pm