Vapour

It is far too easy in our virtual world to catch the self chasing vapour.  Some ideas simply sound good, no matter how unusual, unlikely, and improbable they might seem.  Other things are too good to be true, literally.  And still others are extended figments of another imagination, often wrapped with the intents of con, theft, and robbery.  Even with safeguards, walls, and protection, it is easy to find your email box inundated with handiwork of hucksters, liars, and charlatans.  It almost seems of if we are wearing invitations on our souls.  Steal from me, I am easy.  Rob me blind, I am not watching anyways.  Exploit me, what I stand for, and anyone I associate with.  The results, invitation or not, is overwhelming.
 
The promise used to be just about money.  Now it includes relationships, happiness, virility, job opportunities, and lots of money.  Sadly, even as obvious as the scams are, there are victims.
 
I wish I could see myself with the clarity I see others.  It would be incredible!  I would do something other than repeat yesterday’s mistakes.  I might reach out towards others instead of grapping anything within reach for myself.  Perhaps compassion would win out over justice. 
 
When I look at others I can see what is going on clearly.  The fact is, “all those who make no-god idols don't amount to a thing, and what they work so hard at making is nothing.  Their little puppet-gods see nothing and know nothing—they're total embarrassments!”  (Isaiah 44.9)  Yet my blinders were on yesterday, the day before, and most of the days before that.
 
Today is an opportunity to see myself for what I really am.  It is truly frightening, ugly, and at times depressing.  I can also continue to look deeper and find me God sees and loves.  The process is at the heart of real living.  Everything is possible.  We can do anything.  Today I can hold onto real Hope.  I can walk with Compassion.  I can dialogue with Mercy.  These things are not vapor.  They are the stuff of life.