Thoughts from the Gypsy Camp

From Alex Cornett:


I remember a friend, Matt Pierson, sharing about creation. He spoke about God's design
and us as a part of that design. He used an example of music and talked about how
our ears discern as pleasing, those rhythms, tones and cadences that fit the rhythm of
creation. Conversely, when we hear a cacophony of noise with no rhythm, rhyme or
reason, it is noticeable regardless of culture or preference.

He shared something similar when he expanded the conversation to include those
things we enjoy with our eyes. Seeing the beauty of creation as an engineer, he
demonstrated how our eyes enjoy shapes and designs that are often consistent in
creation.

This same principle did not exactly apply to the things I saw this week as I traveled with
John, Lesley and Teresa among the gypsies in Mukachevo, Ukraine. By American
standards, the camp was not beautiful. It consisted mostly of houses cobbled together
with rudimentary supplies often salvaged from the local dump. The children were mostly
dirty and in need of various hygiene to bring them to what we consider minimum good
health. As I share this, I recognize I could easily have used these same words
to describe my historic trips to Honduras, Tibet, Mexico or other parts of the world.
Why I recalled Matt's message in the middle of this trip became clearer as I spent more
time with them.

As with other places and experiences, the inner beauty of the people began to surface
and slowly replaced the initial view that marred my first impression. The noted
external appearance was slowly replaced by a new picture painted with the unique
personality, dreams, cares and desires of those I had a chance to spend time with.
When I saw them with pity, I was unable to clearly see the beauty of God's design.
When I saw them with indifference, I missed miles of scenery through their eyes. When
I saw them as His creation, beauty and potential blossomed before my very eyes.
For me, the ongoing challenge of consistently seeing creation through the eyes of the
Creator is real. In those fortunate instances that I do, my conscience is heightened, my
discernment grows and I enjoy blessing and beauty far beyond what I could ever have
imagined or experienced left to my own design.