**Dedicated to my city friends**
I struggle to envision heaven as an urban city - with highrises, concrete structures, bright lights, and busyness.
Blue graffiti coloring the worn gray walkways,
Hundreds of cigarette butts adorning the dirt and broken rocks which used to be grass,
Sod replacing the once naturally growing green blades,
Dull blue ocean water trying to clean itself with every crest, but instead discolored by oil, gas, and human waste.
Its waves fall and crash into the city walls with a heaviness reminiscent of sadness.
A deep breath in of crisp ocean saltiness in Brickell and instead my nostrils are welcomed with car fumes and rotten fish water reminding me that this world is so far from God's design for Eden.
We've tainted earth for our own use and forgotten that true glory happens only through His name and striving to live His walk.
What world are we leaving our next of kin if not a world of lush green pastures where they can believe in His promises?
After moving from the biggest city in the country - New York City - working in yet another city reminds me how far sin has caused us to fall.
So much corruption, no place of silence, no rest, nowhere to Sabbath or spend quiet time with God.
I ask myself time and time again why many flock to cities when the solitiude and introspection you recieve by spending time with nature and God eludes its inhabitants.
Perhaps cities and Christ are difficult paradigms unable to coexist?
I find it difficult to see Jesus within the busyness and corruption of urban life and unable to find His voice with so many distractions.
I know He is ubiquitous but do we allow Him inside our office spaces and taxi cabs?
Do we move beyond the guise of politically incorrectness and usher Him in?
My experiences in the last seven years of corporate urban life says otherwise.
We are quick to disregard His word, forget our faith, and justify ourselves with what society and corporate wants.
I am not a city gal, never have been nor never will be.
But lately I wonder - is God welcomed in our cities? Do we make room for His presence?
