Everywhere one looks there are bad things. An old man tending his grocery store kills would be robbers who threaten his life. Young boys and girls fall victims to those who are stronger. People struggle for life in hospital due to careless drivers. This is reality in a quiet part of the world. Life goes on.
Look around and everyone is under attack. Gangs terrorize the innocent and violence erupts even in quiet neighborhoods. Kids are born into this world innocent and full of potential. Before they can even make a decision they are burdened with the plague of aids and starvation. Others are exploited for their begging or earning potential by the very people who are supposed to protect and nurture them. This is reality for many in this world. Life goes on.
When you look around it is clear that “three things are never satisfied, no, there are four that never say, ‘That’s enough, thank you!’—hell, a barren womb, a parched land, a forest fire.” (Proverbs 30.16) People struggle, often lose hope, and face a barren land that is a victim of too much exploitation or casual acts of carelessness. This is the harsh reality. Life goes on.
In the reality of life today many struggle to find hope. It is easy to find your self caught in the cycle of despair, anger, and frustration. Your blood pressure rises, the muscles tense, but there is nobody present to fight, no battle to be won. It would be one thing if this was an exceptional day, but it is a quiet day in the scheme of too many busy days. The chaos and uncertainty of yesterday only grows with the dawn of each new days beginning. Reality hurts. Hope is illusive.
In the midst of this reality there is more. There are wonderful acts of kindness, random spots of beauty, and relationships that inspire. There is a God who loves you and me fully, completely, and unconditionally. This is reality for all – and in this reality there is hope, love, and recreation. Thank God.
