It has been a hard couple of days. Something about everything has gotten to me. Physically, I am tired and hurting. The fact that I ran into a wall twice during a recent squash game is not helping matters. Mentally, I am exhausted. My mind is running on empty. Combine these elements with events out of my control and the legacy of mini hells of my own making and you have a dark setting. It is hard to see a way out of this place and time.
I write as if everything is still current, yet it is not. I can see feel the raw emotions, the burn of uncertainty and fear. While tender, I am struck that a single act changed everything. A friend pinged me to catch up. Our schedules did not align very well but it felt like it was something that I needed to work in regardless. As I want away from another gathering to catch up with him, his embrace changed everything. I knew I had been missed. I knew I had someone cheering me on and willing to help along the way. As tough as everything was and is in our lives, a single embrace told me that I would always have someone in my corner.
Our short time together has come and gone. What lingers is the hope that was given a fresh lease. The words of an old psalm ring true; “The poor in spirit see and are glad – Oh, you God-seekers, take heart!” (Psalm 69.32)
As I turn to face the headwinds that relentlessly haunt me, I am left with three truths.
Help is always closer than we realize and at times are willing to believe. Likely it is already with us. Being open to its presence is a window to renewal.
The challenge in my life is never with the problems. The challenge and opportunity is to embrace hope and possibilities even as my fears, uncertainties, and doubts try to dominate.
God is here, often in the physical presence of those that love us.
