I look back and almost laugh. My life framed in absolutes. Each statement came from my lips and reflected my thoughts at the time. They were words in black and white, no frantic emotion, “just” words framing life, perspective, and values.
I will (would) never live in New York.
I will (would) never own a Ford.
I will (would) never get married.
I will (would) never father children.
I will (would) always be faithful to God.
I will (would) never be like ________ (father, brother, friend, enemy, or “that”).
As I look backwards the words and attitude seem so foolish. I lived in New Jersey and worked in New York for eight plus years. I treasure the time and friends that I have because of the experience. I have owned a Ford for three years – no service issues, solid performance, and good resale value. I have been married for twenty-three years to my best friend. She often drives me crazy and that is part of what I love about her and the affect she has on my life. I became a parent seventeen years ago and it continues to be one of life’s most incredible gifts!
Unfortunately for all my good intentions I have been faithless as much as I have been faithful. I have echoed the worst of others and often forgotten the wonderfulness. The more I see God the more I understand just who and what I am. The sight is pretty sad, thank God for grace, mercy, and unconditional acceptance!
The reminder today is not how often I have failed, for we all lose it daily or even more frequently! It is to remind us both that as obvious as something is, for example “we [would] no more give honors to fools than pray for snow in summer or rain during harvest,” (Proverbs 26.1) that we should never ever speak of our own future in absolutes.
There is one exception. God’s offer is constant and unending. Mysteriously God is what he is. God is unlimited mercy and ending grace; always and forever.
