People In The Park

I'm sitting on the grass in a park. It's a warm, cloudy day. It's around 1pm and there is that lunch-time lull in the air.

A young man in gray pants and a stripped t-shirt is lying on one elbow, eating a banana and reading something. What is he reading? Is he a college student getting a head-start on his summer reading or is he an office worker who's enjoying a new book in his lunch break?

A little boy in purple shorts and a red sweater is swinging on the iron railings. His straight brown hair is hanging down over his eyes and he has an adorable smile. He's out with his parents and baby brother on a picnic and he is having so much fun.

There are two people lying on their fronts in the grass, close to three huge trees on the far side of the park. Maybe they are two girls telling best-friend secrets and giggling over the movie they watched last night. Maybe they are a newly-engaged couple who are looking at each other and seeing a future of happiness ahead as they plan their wedding.

There is an old lady with white hair and wearing a checked shirt, who is walking her dog. She has her purse in one hand and the dog's lead in the other hand and is walking purposefully across the grass. Is she making sure she gets the best exercise possible, or is she headed somewhere special? Maybe she's going to go and see her newest grandchild at the hospital, or perhaps her husband is waiting at home for his lunch.

Everywhere there are people walking. Where are they going and what are they doing? What are their dreams in life? Are they happy or sad, regretting the past or anticipating the future? Are they lost in a world with no meaning or are they looking forward with hope to an eternity with God?