I took a train into the city yesterday, it was my first time making the trip alone. While my past visits had involved a plan, a Yankees game or a visit to Ellis Island, this trip was without an agenda and left me free to explore. After catching the train with just a minute to spare, I settled in for the ride to Penn Station.
People, there were all sorts of them on the train. What were their plans for the day? Some people were wearing Mets jerseys, they were easy, others were more difficult. Was the woman with a young child visiting family? Was the well-dressed couple planning to attend a play? Was the guy who looked similar to me going into the city to explore just like me? The train ride was an excellent example of the truth that everyone comes from somewhere and everyone is heading somewhere and we never know the whole story. 
I emerged from the station energized and excited. I started walking, I knew the general direction of everything but the specifics of nothing. More people, a lot more people, and languages too. The train ride had made me hungry so I walked towards Times Square in search of food. The ads, the lights, the people, Times Square has always excited me, but today it felt even more exciting. After browsing in a few stores and turning down a few counterfeit goods I got serious about lunch. I found a Five Guys that had no wait and jumped at the opportunity. Satisfied by my burger, I headed towards Fifth Avenue.
There were fewer families on Fifth Avenue than in Times Square, you don’t wan’t little Johnny bursting into tears at Barney’s! Apparently you also don’t want everyday Jeff walking into Barney’s. I entered the store wearing jeans, a tee-shirt, backpack and sneakers. The only thing I had going for me in their opinion was my pair of Wayfarers. I wasn’t greeted by the doorman, I didn’t receive any service while looking at wallets and felt generally unwanted, all because of my casual Saturday attire! Because of this, I lingered a bit longer than I really cared to, tainting their glorious establishment. I then headed into the Apple store. Too busy, and a premium-roller-coaster length line to check out! I escaped and headed to Central Park. More families here, especially around the zoo. There was also more space. I sat down and snapped a few pics. A man with a heavy accent handed me his camera and asked me to take a picture of his family because I, “was a professional.” I obliged (even though I’m by no means a professional) and he smiled from ear to ear. I then headed up to the Waldorf and towards Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center is awesome, a tribute to early industrialist attitudes with heavy Art Deco styling. There is a row of many flags in the plaza and everyone was running towards the flag of their home country, eager for a picture. I thought this was cool, very cool. Another reminder that everyone comes from somewhere and has a story.
The sun started to come out and I decided I wanted to go back to Times Square. I also wanted an Americano. I passed many Starbucks but decided it would be best to get some pictures in Times Square and then get my coffee, I didn’t want to try and juggle a camera and the extremely hot beverage I was about to enjoy. The sun gave the area a different feel, a more natural feel. As I was walking I heard some music. Some very pleasant music. There was a Peruvian flute band performing and they sounded awesome. A crowd consisting of people from all over the world was gathered to watch the group perform. Some people were dancing, some were taking pictures, and many people were clapping. The music was so happy, the culture so rich, the sun just right. It was one of those moments where you see that although everyone comes from a different place, we are all very similar. It was while I stood there blissfully enjoying their music that I decided, for me at least, that this was what New York City is all about. Sure there is world-class shopping and dining, a great theater district, a pretty neat park, and a delightfully frustrating transit system, but these are all human constructions. We made these things, so they are not perfect. Only God has the power to bring people from all different backgrounds together and forget about our differences. He made music something to bring joy, and his lighting is better than any stage lighting. When God’s works come together, its an awesome thing.
