by Tim Lane

Recently my wife and I visited New York City. We took the train to get there and I always love the experience when I come out from under the ground beneath Madison Square Garden and emerge on the streets of one of the most incredible cities in the world. You are struck by the beauty of the city; the magnificent buildings, the hum of city noises and the people.

On this particular visit, Barbara and I met some friends and did a tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. After that, we rode the ferry back to the Battery and meandered through the financial district until we arrived at “Ground Zero”. It was then that I was reminded of where I was exactly one week before the Towers came down in 2001. I was at the top of the Empire State Building with my wife and four kids looking out over the city, gazing at the Twin Towers exactly seven days before they would fall. For me, even a week’s distance was too close!

Now, as I sat and looked at this gaping whole in the ground with construction crews working and new steel structures emerging, I waxed theological. Signs of sin, suffering and grace were all around me that day. The reality of living in between Jesus’ first and second coming was visceral.

At the Statue of Liberty, I saw a remarkable engineering feat that symbolized an experiment called “democracy”. At Ellis Island, I was struck by how many people sacrificed and suffered to gain access into a country that would give them hope for a better life.

Even at “Ground Zero” in the face of great tragedy and evil, the signs of grace were obvious. New buildings were being built and the streets were packed with people who were simply going about their business, making a living, interacting with one another, even helping strangers find their way around the city.

Sin, suffering and grace surrounded me. Despite the recent tragedy, the city was still intact, financial markets were still trading, people were able to interact with one another, lives were being lived. So much of what was happening was — well — normal. Though “Ground Zero” and the trials of the immigrants who came through the doors of Ellis Island are sobering reminders of how much sin and suffering exists in this world, all the other signs pointed to God’s goodness poured out on all people.

And what does this have to do with counseling, pastoral ministry and our daily friendships? It’s this—it is easy to see sin and suffering in our lives and in those around us. But it takes a keener eye to see God’s goodness and grace in us and others. I am learning to look more persistently for marks of God’s grace in others; to see the silent and sometimes imperceptible movements of the Spirit in someone. When I do, I tend to be much more compassionate, patient, humble and a better listener. I still have a long way to travel before I get there. How about you?