Moments

Bad events happen in everyone's life.  At times, life merely gets out of control.  On other occasions, Evil overwhelms even the strongest.  Whatever the underlying cause, it is natural to try to assign blame.  Whatever the reason, it is natural to want it to be the responsibility of anyone or anything but one's self.  Whatever the impact will be, one always wants to return to a safe place of peace, hope, and freedom.  As I struggle with seemingly endless ways life creatively seems to find to batter my soul, I am increasingly aware of how flawed my response is. 
Regardless of how chaotic life is at any given moment, the question remains the same; how will I respond to the moment at hand. 
When pain comes from the hand of another or self, the challenge remains the same; how will I respond in the present. 
We may want to give up our freedom and happiness to another, yet what happens now will always remain our choice. 
One may want to return to another place and time, yet the location of where one is always remains the same; the present.  Peace is present if I choose to see.  Hope embraces is I am willing to be enveloped.  Freedom is a God given gift that will always be mine.  Yet, the present is shaped by the values and priorities I hold closest to my heart.  They are our personal deities.
In contest long ago, others could see the strength of truth; “Fellow Israelites, be careful what you do to these men.”  (Acts 5.36)  God offers to do the same in our lives.  It is a gift worthy of our consideration.  In the chaos of the moment, we can be intentionally compassion.  In our pain, we can be merciful.  In the struggle, we can accept others as and where they are.
There is no promise that everything will become smooth, however you will experience peace.  Life will continue to be painful, yet you will know hope.  Even as darkness closes in, God's gift of freedom will be a light.