There is an important place for those who can think and behave in unorthodox ways; without them we would not develop exciting new technologies, exceed old limits, or crack long standing problems. Free Spirits can also be disruptive in a destructive way and do harm, they may exploit vulnerabilities and they sometimes unknowingly bring anxiety where there had been none. It is a balance.
We like routines in our year and so it was that Nichola and I returned recently to a hotel we have visited several times in the last few years. We have that place to thank for having a safe holiday after the first COVID lockdown when many were fearful about meeting people again. We went into the familiar environment and found a new notice on the balcony door from our bedroom, not warning about germs this time and demanding social distancing for that reason, but instead, warming us to be careful to avoid the threat of seagulls. The notice was clear, instructive but the tone tiggered my sense of humour. ‘Please ensure your balcony door is closed when you leave your room. This will prevent seagulls from flying in and causing chaos.’
A picture developed in my mind’s eye of a manic seagull overturning furniture, rifling through drawers, and rearranging the contents of the wardrobe. I know seagulls are big birds and one flapping about in a hotel room would have made a mess – I am also certain there had been several incidents in the summer or the notice would not have been put up. But, I had to smile!
There are some Free Sprits who make a mess of things as they flap about in life while others know exactly what they are doing, every challenge and overturning of the status quo being designed to make a necessary impact on something.
Jesus set about challenging norms, was accused of being outrageous but always knew what he was doing.
How about us, I wonder?
A Prayer
Lord, give me the ability to cause controlled chaos, but only to do good, not harm, for the sake of the master overturner of tables, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.