Hiding In Plain Sight

Do you ever feel like you’re hiding in plain sight? If you don’t want someone to find you, it’s more effective to find a place to actually hide. The ability to remain hidden will often depend on how hard someone seeks to find you.

It’s human nature to want to feel connected to others. We are created to be relational. Even us introverts enjoy a quality connection, to feel we belong, and to have a place of community.

For over a year we’ve been told to hide behind masks and socially distance ourselves from others. Masked figures stand at the entrance of stores and loudly call out directions to anyone that dare not comply, regardless of the reason. Shoppers rush through the aisles with their heads down, taking care not to make eye contact. Self-serve registers have replaced formerly friendly store attendants.

Community requires one to be intentional. We are directed to gather together.

not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25

To gather is to be in plain sight. As we assemble, we are extended greetings at the entrance with a smile and a quick word of welcome. Voices ask, “how are you” and the answer is always, “fine, and how are you.” We search for an authentic connection, and then go home.

Hiding in plain sight is easy if nobody is seeking to find you. As we gather, it’s tempting to play the game of pleasantries. Though by doing so, we will never truly exhort one another.

I want to hide. It feels safe and familiar. I have felt the sting of those proudly wearing a mask of contentment, and I am exhausted by social games. I also want to be authentic. Not just assembling together with others, but exhorting them on. I feel cautious, but know I should seek out others. Those that also come to gather, and like me, feel they are hiding in plain sight.

This post is linked with Five Minute Friday. This week’s word prompt is “hide.”