Alone in a Crowd

As I write this, I am on a crowded train. People all around me studiously avoid eye contact with those not in their travel group.

We are all together, but not really. We are together, but not present.

Some read their papers. Some play with their phones. Others read books. I type on my computer.

The lady behind me is having a very personal conversation on her mobile phone. Her volume and cockney accent caught my attention at first, but when I realized the nature of her conversation, I put in my headphones and cranked up some Beethoven so as to not be privy to the information she shares with all of us, as well as the person on the other end of the phone.

It is as if the rest of us simply do not exist.

It reminds me of a Brian Regan comedy routine where he lampoons people he has observed for living in "You world" rather than the world the rest of us share.

I suppose that is the definition of inconsiderate. It is literally not considering, not thinking about, another. I don't believe it is done out of malice.

I guess this all strikes me particularly today because I am returning from a trip where much of my ministry flowed from the ministry of presence. My work began with being fully present in the moment, to God, to myself, and to others. From that place of presence, I was able to listen and care for people who needed it.

After several days of presence, the opposite is startlingly clear, almost shocking. And yet, God is present even here, while I am alone, with Him, in a crowd. So, I lean back in my seat, enjoying Beethoven's music and the presence of God.