Candidly, I struggle with justice, especially when it is personal. It is easy to suggest from a distance that someone should let go of their pain. From personal experience, it is not that easy! The emotional baggage created when bad outcomes are reality can be overwhelming. I only know of one way to deal with the challenge constructively. My success in embracing this way is mixed. Knowing this, the lessons which I am holding onto tightly include the following.
Choices are the primary cause of spilled milk and other bad outcomes. While many choices are outside of our control, we are accountable for the ones we make. Shifting blame does not change the outcome. Ignoring one’s role, does not mean we are innocent. As much as I want to believe I never hurt myself, when I look in the mirror, the story I see clearly reveals I hold more than my fair share of responsibility in the matter.
Regardless of what another says about the outcome, the psalmist as an example, “These troublemakers all around me – let them drown in their own verbal poison,” (Psalm 140.09) Life reminds me to focus my eyes on my actions and the responsibility which stays long afterwards. The opportunity for change and a better world starts within, not without.
With regards to the spills of others, I hear a calling to focus on compassion, moving towards the positive, and accountability. Exercising compassion is shown by working in support of those around us while being accountable for our actions and their impact on others. In my best moments I use my cry of lament as a call to action.
As I look around, I see endless signs of failure. I hear cries of lament mixed with screams for justice. It would be easy to go to war, yet in the end I know this is not my primary calling. I can stand for what is right and tend to those who need a listening ear. I can offer broad shoulders to help bear the burdens and tears. Actions which heal.
