Friday, April 30, 2004
A Disturbing Day
This post is a day late, and refers to the events on Wednesday
It's easy to be enamoured by the sun and the fun out here in California. There are so many things to do, so many beautiful beaches to visit, and a complete laissez-faire attitude that contrasts the rat race of Toronto quite emphatically. We were lucky to meet a group of really great UW co-op and grads working in San Diego, people that we could trust, a group that not only took care of each other, but extended their love and care to us, merely friends of friends, and little more than strangers. They took the time to make our vacation memorable, told us all the great places to go, and was on call as our personal San Diego On-Star direct service.
But the harsh reality is that even on vacation, I live in a "Waterloo bubble", one of safety and comfort, and trust-worthy friends. Today, that bubble was popped.
In the midst of enjoying God's glorious creation, marvelling at the great expanse of the sky and sea that He had set before my eyes, we were propositioned by a man in his mid fourties.
I don't think I have ever felt so uncomfortable, nor have I ever felt such sadness. In the middle of worshiping God and singing praises to Him, and while standing in awe of His creation, another one of God's creations, a creature, came before my eyes, yet did not invoke the desire to worship God. Instead, the thought of him made my stomach turn, and made me never want to return to that area again, despite the spectacular view.
Later that day, we were at Mission Bay, one of the many beachfront areas, after going sailling. Perhaps I was more sensitive due to the events earlier in the day, but i could not help but notice how openly the men would ogle and undress the women with their eyes. Granted, some women left very little to the imagination in their choice of garments for the beach, but even those in more conservative beachwear were subject to the same once-over and open gawking.
God continues to take care of me. Knowing how much discomfort I was feeling that night, He gave me the opportunity to catch up with two old friends. He used me to encourage one friend in need, and in the other He provided a much needed outlet, as well as prayer support, allowing relief from all the emotions mounting inside of me.
How good it is to know that at the end of the day, no matter how distrubing, our Lord God is by our side, walking with us, and protecting us.
JCL 3:10am
This post is a day late, and refers to the events on Wednesday
It's easy to be enamoured by the sun and the fun out here in California. There are so many things to do, so many beautiful beaches to visit, and a complete laissez-faire attitude that contrasts the rat race of Toronto quite emphatically. We were lucky to meet a group of really great UW co-op and grads working in San Diego, people that we could trust, a group that not only took care of each other, but extended their love and care to us, merely friends of friends, and little more than strangers. They took the time to make our vacation memorable, told us all the great places to go, and was on call as our personal San Diego On-Star direct service.
But the harsh reality is that even on vacation, I live in a "Waterloo bubble", one of safety and comfort, and trust-worthy friends. Today, that bubble was popped.
In the midst of enjoying God's glorious creation, marvelling at the great expanse of the sky and sea that He had set before my eyes, we were propositioned by a man in his mid fourties.
I don't think I have ever felt so uncomfortable, nor have I ever felt such sadness. In the middle of worshiping God and singing praises to Him, and while standing in awe of His creation, another one of God's creations, a creature, came before my eyes, yet did not invoke the desire to worship God. Instead, the thought of him made my stomach turn, and made me never want to return to that area again, despite the spectacular view.
Later that day, we were at Mission Bay, one of the many beachfront areas, after going sailling. Perhaps I was more sensitive due to the events earlier in the day, but i could not help but notice how openly the men would ogle and undress the women with their eyes. Granted, some women left very little to the imagination in their choice of garments for the beach, but even those in more conservative beachwear were subject to the same once-over and open gawking.
God continues to take care of me. Knowing how much discomfort I was feeling that night, He gave me the opportunity to catch up with two old friends. He used me to encourage one friend in need, and in the other He provided a much needed outlet, as well as prayer support, allowing relief from all the emotions mounting inside of me.
How good it is to know that at the end of the day, no matter how distrubing, our Lord God is by our side, walking with us, and protecting us.
JCL 3:10am
