Vegas is surely one of the most unique cities in the world. In the last forty or so years, they have grown from about a hundred thousand to over two million, stretching natural resources and imaginations. In a world where we all tend to gamble for a little certainty, here no one hides it. The liquored young people in my elevator apologize for it, while JC, my driver, embraces it to make a buck, even though doing so with a fair degree of discomfort. The air is tinged with a combination of greed and desperation, creativity and sexuality; surely the mix of civilization and its discontents.
I walk into the casino and place a $5 bet on a bran muffin and chai tea. I win! The constant background of tinkling slots and flashing lights hardly masks the veneer of usury; human souls being bought and sold for minimal prices. Because time is on the side of the House, the House only has to wait long enough to separate you from congealed life, your money.
But here, as everywhere, the presence of grace emerges like the sprout through the concrete, and you can often see it more clearly because of the pervasive backdrop of desperation. The air outside, while tainted by human occupation, is still the Lord’s. The searching visible in the faces, for affirmation, authenticity and affection reflects the deepest residences of the image of God.
First a meet and greet last night, followed by speaking at a 400 person benefit for The Boys and Girls Clubs of America. MaryKaye and her friends took the best care of me and we had a marvelous evening full of hugs and stories. The stories…of loss, and redemption, salvation and failure, forgiveness and process. People sometimes ask me ‘what do you do?’ – as in occupation. I tell them, “I hang around burning bushes all day.”
Late to sleep last night, today starting at 4AM to catch Delta to Atlanta and connection to Fort Meyers, FL. Uneventful flights overall. I watched Crazy Heart with Jeff Bridges, quite a good story of loss and faltering steps on the road toward redemption, did some reading and dozed a good deal. Landed in 85 degree semi-humid sunshine, grabbed a shower at the hotel and went directly to the venue. Probably 800 people attended tonight and again the event was all you could hope.
There is really no way to explain to you what happens, how I am cared for, the interactions and questions, the moments where the Holy Spirit moves in hearts and emotions, the laughter so spontaneous and authentic, the hugs and tears. I am tired at the end of the day, but not drained.
Tonight Doug talked to me about the difference between guard dogs and bird dogs, relating them to theologically minded folks within the community of faith. Guard dogs are focused on what they can keep ‘out’, while bird dogs are running around ‘out there’ dragging in all kinds of stuff, which doesn’t exactly make the guard dogs happy. As you can probably figure out, he considers me a bird dog.
Tomorrow, it is another early morning. I will be picked up by my gracious host at 4:45AM to catch an early flight to Atlanta, connecting to Cleveland, OH, where I will be speaking at Ashland Theological Seminary tomorrow and Thursday.
Almost midnight here, and I am about to use up the last bits of today’s grace. Talked to Kim a couple times today, and can almost sense her presence. That’s enough to wrap my slumber in grins and good dreams.
