Are We There Yet?

"In everything do to others as you would have them do to you;

for this is the law and the prophets." 

 --Jesus in Matthew 7:12

As we left Concord last week for a summer road trip, the familiar question was on my lips about a mile from our house, "Are we there yet?"  We laughed. 

The news this morning is about violence again--violence against a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.  Six people are dead because a gunman may have been crazy with hate and misunderstanding.  "Are we there yet?"  Instead of laughter, I hear Jesus cry.

This trip is bringing be close to my roots. I write from the Missouri Ozarks. Here in the Bible belt I am struck by the political ads for those gearing up for the upcoming primary election. It's still politically fashionable to be selfish when it comes to those at the margins of our society. And, the tone is offensively loud and obnoxious. The ads are poison. No wonder so many have given up on the political process. "Are we there yet?" Instead of laughter, this time, I hear Jesus sigh.

Yesterday, a former governor and talk show host appeared on our TV to praise the owner of a chicken fast-food restaurant for expressing his support for "the biblical definition of the family unit" to the Baptist Press.  Ok.  More noise while our families and friends continue to suffer from fear and discrimination.  "Are we there yet?"  Instead of laughter, I hear Jesus say, "Follow me." 

The journey continues . . . .