18:25

in a hot, glaring parking lot, our paths cross...but only for a moment. undoubtedly, she never notices me...

she's too enthralled in a conversation with her father. they walk by, hand in hand in the crosswalk, a smile on her face. immediately, my senses awaken, just as they have done thousands of times before. my ears begin to search for clues, signs, just a brief glimpse of current conditions. my eyes focus on dingy clothing, outdated hair styles, physical appearance, and the other typical artifacts of judgement. stereotypes begin to jockey for position in my mind. "remember the neighborhood, the surroundings," my thoughts drift to, "what must they drive, i wonder how small and sad their living conditions must be". the battle ensues...

what will rule my mind, judgement or grace? the eternal question runs ramped again. who's the poor? who's the unfortunate? who should be pitied? those with less, or those who are unsure of what they even have? are we the blessed, or the cursed?

why must i look past the smile on her face? when's the last time i saw a camel pass through the eye of a needle?

in a hot, glaring parking lot, our paths cross...but only for a moment. undoubtedly, she never notices me...