Need

I am not big on revenge.  It is not because I lack the courage or desire; I just do not have the time.  I am not big on leaving unresolved conflicts.  It is not because I like dealing with unpleasant issues.  I hate conflict.  Conflicts creep into every relationship.  Dealing with them gives everyone involved the opportunity to grow with and for each other.  Yet, there are moments when revenge would be sweet.  There are conflicts I desperately wish someone else would deal with. 
 
I wish everyone knew me as a consistently logical, holistic, and fully compassionate individual.  In my best moments, I know I aspire to this goal.  In my worst, I am anything but.  In every state, I want someone to take on the junk in life!  Unfortunately, it is near the top of my needs.
 
Even as I despair, God answers.  If I am willing to trust, the answer is here.  If I am willing to act with compassion, justice will come.  If I am willing to extend mercy, those who seek something else will find it.  “God, your Redeemer, the Holy of Israel, says: ‘Just for you, I will march on Babylon.  I'll turn the tables on the Babylonians.  Instead of whooping it up, they'll be wailing.”  (Isaiah 43.14) 
 
The question today is simple; do I believe God has filled my need?  Am I willing to focus solely on Hope?  Can I let go of fear and reach out to those in need?  Will I struggle with the unknown?  Will I act knowing my response matters, not the outcome?
 
There are real needs calling for our attention.  There are those in our lives desperate to know the reality of unconditional love.  There are those we will meet longing to experience the hidden joy in a smile.  There are individuals thirsty for words of hope.
 
I am not minimizing any need in your life and mine.  I am gently suggesting that God will satisfy our needs.  I also find God inviting us join Divinity in solving the needs in the world around us.