Rejection

The room was filled with laughing children, playing, and having a great time. Off to the side, sat one little boy on the floor--alone. He watched the other children as they slid down slides, climbed through the tunnels, laughing as they raced through the play equipment. Parents, grandparents, and older siblings watched as the children played in the wonder of the mazes at the play room of the restaurant.

As the boy watched, you could see the longing in his face. He wanted to join in the playful abandon, but he was afraid. His mother walked over to him and whispered in his ear, encouraging him to join in with the other children, but . . . he was afraid. After a few more words of encouragement she returned to her table to watch. She knew it was hard for him. He didn't know the other children. He wanted to play with them, but was afraid of rejection.

After a while, he moved toward the platform that led to the tunnels. As other children raced from the slide they had just come down, back to the platform to make their way through the tunnels again, he began to climb. In their rush he stumbled and fell. They went on their way, while he sat in the tunnel opening--indecisive.

Slowly standing again, he made his way up the steps and through the tunnels. As he flew down the slide onto the floor mats his face was flushed with excitement and happiness. He quickly walked back to the entrance platform. This time he watched as another group of children made their way through the tunnels, down the slide, and back up again; rushing past him as they did. One of their group started up the ladder ahead of him and called to him to come join them. He took a deep breath, shook his head and followed them.

Laughing, tumbling down the slide again, he landed at the bottom--hard. It took him a moment to move and another child slid down knocking him off his feet. He held his breath, waiting to see how the other child reacted . . . she laughed as she apologized for knocking him off his feet.

Holding out his hand, he helped her to her feet. She jumped up and ran off to play again. He followed more slowly. As she scrambled up the ladder, she waited at the tunnels up above, calling down to him to join her. He followed her through the tunnels, introduced him to her friends and siblings. "I slide down to fast and knocked him down. Instead of getting mad, he helped me up. He's my new best friend!" With his simple act of kindness, he had broken through the wall and made a friend.

We often find ourselves reluctant . . . afraid . . . unwilling to make the first move toward another we don't know. We often find ourselves on the outside, looking in at others; wanting to join in, but afraid of rejection. Making the first step can be terrifying. What if they reject us?

Often we think God knows nothing about rejection . . . the fear that immobilizes us . . . the pain of not being wanted. How could God know what rejection feels like? Yet how could the one who created us, who prepared a wonderful world and life for us, not understand rejection. Throughout history, we have shown over and over again that we would rather have our own way, than to allow God to take us by the hand, help us to our feet, and walk with us.

God is always with us. We may close our eyes to the presence of God, but God is always there. Even in the face of our rejection of God's gift of God's self to us (in the crucifixion of Christ), God was still with us. God continues to speak to us, to provide for us, to love us--even when we behave in unlovable ways. God understands our rejection and loves us anyway. Should we not do the same? Love one another . . . even the unlovable.

Loving God, we know we have rejected you and yet, you wait patiently for us to accept your love. Help us, forgiving God to reach out to you and accept the unconditional gift you have for us. Teach us to love others as you love us. Give us the courage to face rejection with grace . . . and love. So be it. Amen.