Getting Drunk

This past Saturday I went to a party. A few of us, perhaps, had a bit too much to drink. And we were acting like...well, like kids.

A few of us since then have remembered with some regret things we said and things we did while "under the influence".

And that is sad. I should first say that I personally did not witness any behavior that was out of order, wrong or unlawful. What I did witness was people - a group of friends - having a really good time together, forgetting that they cared more about what other people thought of them than just being themselves and enjoying each others company. And that's what it was - a bunch of kids, playing together, singing to some music, making jokes, dancing and being silly just for the sake of being silly. Forgotten were any petty "issues" that separated us, gone were the thoughts of "how do I look?". What was left was - "I'm glad you are here, let's enjoy living for a while together." And it was good.

It was the first time I was able to see some people for who they really are. And they were pretty good people. There was no judging, no taking yourself too seriously, no snide remarks or hurtful words.

And it makes me sad for the things in this world that inhibit us from living this freely all the time. It makes me sad that people feel, after the fact, that they need to apologize for who they really are.

The Bible tells us not to get drunk with wine, but instead, to be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18). It's curious that Paul - the author - would equate those two things here. Unless.....maybe it's just....that being filled with the Spirit could result in some of the same behavior as being filled with alcohol.

Maybe being truly filled with the Holy Spirit would cause me to be myself around others without fear of what they think. Maybe it would cause me to judge less, to rejoice in life more, and enjoy life with my friends to a greater degree. Maybe it would mean dancing, and laughing and not hiding my true self under what I think people expect me to be. Perhaps being filled with the Spirit is an experience in freedom and delight and honesty. Maybe it would mean that I would live out all the good things God put inside me without apology and without holding back.

Maybe it would look as improper as a group of drunk people, at first glance, appear to be.

Maybe. But I know last Saturday night was a great time. I will carry many fond memories from it of a great times spent with wonderful people. People, who were just being who they really are.