It’s rush-hour
on a cold, crisp, winter’s morning.
Outside on the street,
facing the bus depot,
stand a well-dressed man and woman.
These are Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Beside them
is a stall full of books.
The man and woman each stand
with hand outstretched
offering to each passer-by
a polythene-wrapped magazine.
Crowds of people pass by
on their way to work.
Nobody stops to take a magazine
or to chat.
And yet there the Jehovah’s Witnesses stand,
day after day,
patiently,
silently
and largely ignored.

Sometimes I think
that God waits for us
in that same way.
God does not force himself
on any of us.
Instead,
He quietly extends
the hand of friendship,
hoping to be invited
into our lives.
And just like the Jehovah’s Witnesses,
He is largely ignored.

As I rush about my busy day
do I make the effort
to accept My God’s invitation
to spend time with Him
or, like all of those busy workers at rush-hour,
do I just hurry on by?

© Claire Murray, 20/1/16