"What If God Was One of Us"

What if God was one of us?
Just a slob like one of us
Just a stranger on the bus
Trying to make his way home

If God had a face what would it look like?
And would you want to see
If seeing meant that
you would have to believe
in things like heaven and in Jesus and the saints
and all the prophets (*)          
"One of Us" by Joan Osborne is one of my favorite songs and  I'm always humbled when listening to it.  I don't know how anyone can listen to that song and not think about how they go through the day and react, respond and treat people. Although I always liked this song, it took on special meaning for me about four years ago.  It was class selection list time at school and I stood in the hallway with a group of teachers all refusing to accept a student in their classroom. The scene, to this day, reminds me how cruel and self righteous people can be at times.  I thought the entire situation was ridiculous and sad and said I would take the student. So, although the year was not easy for me, it became a life changing year.  I never looked at myself or anyone the same after that. Joan Osborne's song became a mantra for me. "What If God Was One of Us?"  What if that little boy was God? What if God had transformed himself for that very moment and was looking at all of us from the little boy's eyes? What was God seeing and hearing?  What did he think of us? I watch how others react to people they think are lessor than them and I would love at times to walk up to them and say "What if God is One of Us?"  Do we know for sure he isn't at least part of the time?  Did he not instruct us about how to treat those we felt were lesser than us?  And the King shall answer and say to them," Truly I say to you, Inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me".  I fell in love with the little boy and he perhaps was more of a blessing for me than I for him. Although, challenging as he was, discussed the fact with other people, that I think God puts people in our lives at certain times and if we are opened enough to accept them they can possibly work a few miracles in our lives.  I think many times people miss out on spiritual growth and miracles because they are staring God in the eyes and are too judgmental to realize it.  Maybe I'm wrong but I really don't think God appears on earth very often as a beauty queen, a reclusive billionaire, or a movie star. I just don't think that is his style.  I could be wrong because I really think that was the reoccurring theme in the song. "What If God Was One of Us" because none of us really know. And just what if .....................