We visited George’s family in England last summer. I’d never been. It’s hard to believe none of us knew the other existed until just a few years ago, but that’s another story.
The final four days of our trip was spent in London. It was an amazing and fun time. We saw a city perfectly blended with both old and new.
We rode water taxis up and down the Thames River. We visited Greenwich and stood in two time zones at once. We tried to explore and experience as much as possible.
The London part of our trip has one moment that seems to bring the most conversation, teasing, and laughter. It was the afternoon of our first full day of exploration. We were exhausted, but fairly close to Buckingham Parade Grounds. We decided to walk over and see it before returning to our rooms.
We entered through an area where two of the Queen’s Lifeguards stood and stepped into a short line on the left. This Lifeguard was tall; the front portion of his boots were close to hip height on me! When it was our turn to step up, I spoke to him.
No, he didn’t answer, but I saw his eyes move in my direction. That was all I needed. He was aware of me and hearing me. I told him about seeing the Trooping the Colour Ceremony on TV just a few days previously.
I was super excited to share with him all I’d seen and learned, and he was a captive audience. Right in the middle of my commentary, he stomped his feet, rearranged his sword position, stomped again while turning, marched a few steps, stomp-turned again (very loudly), and marched out right where I was. I was thrilled. I turned around and walked right by him. I hardly missed a beat in continuing my one-sided conversation. I felt encouraged by his occasional eye glances. I was sure he was listening.
He stopped, stomped, and turned, and we headed in the direction of the street. I stayed right with him and continued sharing. He stopped, stomped, and turned a third time to cut across the arched entrance. That’s when I realized where I was and became embarrassingly aware of the two hundred plus sets of eyes watching me.
I stopped talking and peeled off, scurrying over to where George and the rest of his family were standing. They were shocked. I’m told they asked George what I was doing. It’s a great family joke now, but they were more appalled than teasing in the beginning. It seems what I was doing could be construed as mockery. I assure you, it was not!
You may be wondering the point of this story. Here goes. I want to walk in step with Holy Spirit and be unaffected by the misunderstanding of those observing my walk. I want to NOT peel off when I see them looking, but invite them to join me in walking by Him.
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25 (NASB)
The CJB version says it like this…
“Since it is through the Spirit that we have Life, let it also be through the Spirit that we order our lives day by day.“
I was in perfect step with the Lifeguard that day. I was so focused on him that I didn’t even realize how in step I was. He was my focus. I didn’t hear the gasps or the questions. I was delighting in the experience.
How about you? Do you have a memory of being so tuned into who you were with that you forgot to worry about what others were thinking about you or your actions?
Fun Fact: The Trooping of the Colour Ceremony is an annual event to celebrate the Queen’s birthday, but does not take place on her actual birthday.