I walked down the street on a quiet Saturday morning. I was in Antigua, Guatemala, a few minutes before 7:00 the streets were almost deserted. A lone runner loped down the middle of the cobblestones. Here and there a few individuals or couples were walking. No car was in sight on the street where I was, nor on the first cross street. I was alone with my thoughts and my God.
The quietness of the morning was broken by an approaching couple–a young couple, speaking English, arguing in Antigua as they walked on a Saturday morning. I could not help but overhear. They were playing the “blame game”, trying to decide whose fault “it” was.
Perhaps there is nothing unusual about a couple arguing in public in Antigua on a Saturday morning walk, but it struck me as incongruent. Many would describe Antigua, Guatemala as a place of love and romance, charming, encouraging caring and relationships. They are in a place where they could easily enjoy the early morning quietness and share a very special time. They are in a place of beauty—volcanoes, flowers everywhere, the quaintness of the cobblestones and repeating paint colors, the smell of fresh-baked bread wafting through the air.
I wonder how God sees us. I could see the inconsistency because of the surroundings. He sees the inconsistency regardless of where we are. What does it really mean for me to be a follower of Jesus? How am I going to live that out in my life today?
Your story reminds me of a time when I was passing by a man and a woman who were walking past me in obvious disgust with one another. The only part of the conversation I heard was when the man said, “Well whose fault is THAT!?” I thought at the time, “Ooooh…he may wish he could have that one back!”
You’re probably right–God doesn’t want us spoiling the scenery and serenity anywhere. When I hear my kids arguing I don’t even care who’s right (and sometimes neither one is)…I just want it to stop.
Have a great trip!