JURY DUTY

"... and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." - Matthew 25:32

As the Jury Assembly Room began to fill, we formed a "nation" of people.  We were black and white, young and old, male and female.  Some needed parking tickets validated; others did not.  Some walked with canes; others were agile.  Some needed work excuse slips; some were retired or homemakers.  We were uniquely individual, but we were a "nation" of people.

Some left coats on; others removed them.  Some read magazines; some had e-readers; some watched television; some just rested.  We were uniquely individual, but we were a "nation" of people.

Some were likely nervous or anxious; some were probably fretting over sacrifices made that day; some were notably proud to be part of the democratic process.  We were uniquely individual, but we were a "nation" of people.

Some formed small communities to strike up conversations.  Some shared experiences; some told stories; some asked each other questions.  We were uniquely individual, but we were a "nation" of people.

The Bailiff came and slowly read names of prospective jurors to separate us one from another.  The assembled "nation" of people began to disperse.  One by one they left the Jury Assembly Room to form smaller "nations" of uniquely individual people.

God bless them all.