Jury Duty

I served on jury duty a few weeks ago. It was nothing like the show “Jury Duty.” If you haven’t seen the show, I highly recommend it. It’s hysterical. I laughed through every episode. Warning: there are several inappropriate sexual references.

I called in for 2 nights to see if I had to report to the LA courthouse. I was cleared for 2 days then, on Thursday morning, I had to report. After a lovely drive (sarcasm) through LA traffic, I made it to the jury room. Potential jurors spread out and chilled while we waited. I was reading a book while I waited. When we assembled outside the courtroom, I knew I was going to be picked for the jury. I was. Juror #8. It was a landlord vs. tenant and the landlord won. Rather boring case except for a few witnesses who had very interesting testimonies.

When I found out I had to go in, I got mad. I was about to finish up my last week of classes with my current students at Goodwill. I ended up cancelling the last week of regularly scheduled classes. Why would God take me away from these great students and have us finish with a whimper? Also, I don’t enjoy driving into LA. It’s trafficy, dirty, and a bit unsafe. I usually am very anxious driving to downtown LA. At this point, I reached out for prayer. So glad I did. Prayer changed me.

Traffic slowed me down but I focused on listening to some good podcasts and music. I stayed calm. Once I found my parking lot and signed in, I felt peaceful. Only God. Only prayers. When I got on the case, I used my break to inform students and my boss and let it go. I could have sat in the anger a long time. I didn’t. Only God. Only prayers. Day two, I found a beautiful park next to the courthouse. I sat in the shade, ate my sandwich, and read a book. Beautiful and relaxing. Only God. Only prayers. Every day, traffic patterns led my GPS to give me a unique route. I saw new parts of LA, Pasadena, and other neighboring cities. I enjoyed it. Only God. Only prayers. I prayed about how to connect with others on the jury. I chatted with several and enjoyed their company for a few days. Nothing profound but nice conversation from people I wouldn’t have normally met. Only God. Only prayers.

I am the type of person who stresses when routine changes. Jury duty taught me that I don’t have to be that person. I actually enjoyed the breaks at the park. The light conversations were interesting. The courtroom sessions itself were mostly boring but I paid attention anyway. I wasn’t in a rush to get anywhere. I knew traffic would be what it was. I accepted the hour-long commute one way. On our last day of jury duty, we had a 2 hour lunch break. I treated myself to lunch out and rode the Angel’s Flight railway. I just soaked in the moment of where I was stationed for a few days. Only God. Only prayers.

I hope that my take away from jury duty is that I can be present in future unexpected moments that I find myself in. I liked the new me. I liked being able to be OK in a new situation. I liked being peaceful when chaos could have reigned. I liked meeting new people. I liked observing attorneys at work and the legal process. I wished I could have finished my classes better at work. However, they all still graduated the week after. I saw that a disruption to plans isn’t always a bad thing. I learned that I can be OK even when put in a situation out of my control. I discovered that it’s all right to let go and just embrace the day. Only God. Only prayers.

The next time you are called to jury duty, or have a sick day from work, or have to help a friend in need, or are redirected from the norm, embrace it and find the beauty in it. Call friends to pray you through the disruption. See what God has for you. It may be as simple as lunch in a beautiful park on a sunny day on your break or as big as a new friendship forming. Embrace it!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

Dream Big! Pray Big!

Les Mis

One of my favorite musicals of all time. If you haven’t seen it, this current touring company is amazing. I wept through much of the show. Not because of the story line only but because of the talent and commitment of the actors on stage. I have seen Les Mis many times. I’m always moved by the production. It’s the theme of God’s grace throughout the show that endears it to me.

The tension between grace and “faith by works” (or legalism) is the core theme in this musical. Time and time again, Jean Valjean offers grace, forgiveness, true repentance, and compassion. It’s incredible to watch a man live his life for God. He does. May it be true of me too. By contrast, Javert also lives for God but through rules and harsh punishment for breaking even the simplest rule. He believes there is no redemption or change. Perfection and the letter of the law is his motto. He can’t handle the grace extended to him by Jean Valjean over their lifetime. Friends: grace, forgiveness, repentance and compassion should be how our lives are marked. We are to live as Jesus modeled. I am reminded of these truths when I see the contrast of the 2 men in Les Mis. Am I an instrument of grace or shame in the lives of those around me and to myself?

This time, another theme rose up for me too. When Jean Valjean sings “Bring Him Home” over Marius, I always weep. The song is beautiful but also a vocal challenge. Nick Cartell (this company’s Jean Valjean) nailed it. He did something else I’ve never seen before. He outstretched his hands over Marius while he sang the song over him. It reminded me of church when they say “extend a hand” when we pray over our missionaries or others before they head off in God’s service. The simple gesture led to the realization that I don’t pray for my kids enough. I don’t. I will now.

I need to be praying daily for my kids. I pray when they have something going on or aren’t feeling well. However, I want to start praying for them on normal days too. I plan to pray for their faith and reconnection to a strong church. I desire to pray for their daily activities and those they encounter in their day. May they make a positive influence on others or receive it from others. Watching this man extend his hands as he prayed for the protection over his future son-in-law, moved me to change. I started this morning on my porch during my time with God. I pray that I keep the practice of praying for my kids a daily thing. It seems like a simple thing yet it hasn’t been a daily practice before. Thanks to God’s presence in art (the musical Les Mis) to direct me to another level of obedience and release to Him.

To love another person is to see the face of God!

Dream Big! Pray Big!

P.S. If you live in LA area, go see this Les Mis. You will be changed by it. It’ll be at Pantages until this weekend (Sept 10), Segerstrom in OC will be Sept 19-Oct 1, then San Diego Civic Center Oct 3-15. Art can change us and point us to God. Worth every penny.