Somebody & Nobody

I've experienced a very weird sensation today as I walked from the Time Warner Center in Manhattan back to my hotel.


It was opposite emotions to the same existence.

So I was walking the streets among a handful of New Yorkers (hah). I was dressed in a suit and had a backpack strapped on my right shoulder (some habits die hard ... see this 2008 blog entry!) So on one hand, I felt pretty important. Here I was, in one of the most vital and critical cities in the modern world.  I've seen at least one celebrity, and know that so many of them live here. Plus, when you're in a suit ... well, you do feel like you at least LOOK important.

The other positive thing was feeling like you're part of this living, breathing entity known as New York City.  It's truly one of the most vibrant, diverse and lively places on Earth.

Then comes the opposite feeling ... a reminder that in the grand scheme of things, I am very small and insignificant in a worldly sense. When you are part of a street scene like I was today, you begin to feel like a walking suit ... one of many with similar goals and destinations. It reminded me of the street scenes shown in The Matrix trilogy of movies, and you can't help but wonder when you're in the masses that you are very drone-like and going through the motions. Not to mention, there are times when you feel like a target for the drivers!

But there is a saving grace to bring the story in full circle ... and it put a grin on my face that I'm sure had some of my fellow walkers on 7th Avenue wondering what was up.  And that was how special and important I am to God ... important enough that He created me and made me a unique individual as He did all those around me this afternoon. People-watching is one of my very favorite things to do, and the past couple of days are no exception.  (There are certainly some interesting characters in the Big Apple!)

So the next time you feel insignificant, small, one-of-a-million or a dime a dozen, stop and remind yourself how incredibly important you are ... not only to the Creator but to those around you.

And grin ... make folks wonder! And be prepared to tell them if they ask what's up!