Twilight

C.S. Lewis has a distinct way of describing things. His descriptions of the town at twilight are familiar one moment and ghostly the next. It's the town where his hero, if you could call him that, he's more of a voyeur...a traveller through this story, finds himself. Because the town is empty, he naturally gravitates to the only crowd he sees - the ones waiting at a bus stop.

The people are normal - a bit edgy and irritated. Kind of like church on occasion. But as the author points out, these are people who seem to know the answers. They seem to think they have it right, even though they mysteriously find themselves in the middle of an abandoned town during eternal twilight alongside a motley crew of fairly odd people. Still, through their conversation and attempt at order, each considers their socially constructed view of life as the social norm ...again, kind of like church on occasion.

What struck me as interesting is how the people in line waiting for something to happen pass their time through conflict and grumbling. It is unclear to everyone why they wait, but they await in their natural state. Here at this bus stop, no one can hide their true self. It will become evident eventually. Some stay, most leave, but the beginning of the journey begins at this all too familiar, but not so exciting place.

I find that I have admiration for these people - even for those rude self-centered ones present. Admiration for their bravery in attempting the journey. Something inside them seeks - longs for the trip until they find themselves at the crossroads of decision. For the most part, they've arrived at a place without really understanding why. It could be that the deep seeded longing to go home takes over the mind's perception of reality. Whatever the case, we as a people are drawn to the life changing decision. Unfortunately, we usually arrive with people who annoy us. We must be confronted with this decision alongside others who are in the same situation and how we react to each other will affect that decision in a particular manner. How will we be? Who will we find ourselves alongside? Will we be so consumed that we fail to notice each other? Or will we endure each other without disturbing the peace? Funny thing is...this still sounds a lot like church.