The Whole Megillah

Young and impressionable we were back then, some 40+ years ago.  And fortunate to live in a community blend of religions and races different than our own.  Blacks, Jews, Puerto Ricans, Whites, thrown together by the military, where all of us kids played together and never really questioned our "differences".  I have always been fascinated by people.  Simply fascinated. Especially when cultures collide and the world is thrown into an upheaval over the strangest of events most of which occur because someone couldn't take the time to love their neighbor.  

Today, I am in the midst of a Beth Moore Bible Study on the Book of Esther.  That is, it is the Book of Esther to us Christians.  To the Jews, well it is better known as the Megillah.  I remember the Megillah.  I used to have friends that said "the whole megillah" {only to my uneducated ears it was ma-goo-lah}.  I always thought it was some made up word, one that tickled my ears every time someone said it.  After Beth spent most of an hour explaining "The Megillah" my light bulb flickered and I remembered the Jewish community we shared our Brooklyn neighborhood schools with some 40 years ago.  I remember their Temple.  I always wanted to go up those stairs and peek in to see what went on behind those big heavy doors.  I never made it that far...instead I was introduced to Catholic confession on Saturdays.  We used to ride our bikes down to the local parish so my buddies could hook up with the local priests and cleanse their souls.  I used to light candles while I waited. 

I wonder what God thought about all that in those days.  They certainly were very educational and have lead to a greater understanding of Him today.  I just am always amazed how life is connected to Him, even when we are not.  And isn't that what the story of Esther is all about?

"....for such a time as this."  What interesting words those are.  Very close to "...no better time than now."