In the midst of pulling tax information together, everybody wanted a piece of me. The list seemed endless; homework, cats, spending time outside, and errand here, and a “to do” there. I began to react in my normal way; kindness forgotten, firm abrupt tones in place, when Cherry made a casual remark that I always moved into this mood when I worked on taxes. I began to spew defensive thoughts out but stopped.
She was and is right. I am not a nice person in these moments and the result is that I should be accountable. Fortunately on this day, I corrected my reaction, changed the dialogue with everyone (kids, cats, and spouse) to an improved course, and took on my tax task with a sense of grace and the present moment.
The resultant change started me to the core. Tensions evaporated, work progress in major steps far faster than I anticipated, everyone relaxed, and teamwork prevailed. Changes began because one person was willing to be accountable for their attitude, motive, and actions.
With God, the facts follow a similar pattern. “One man said no to God and put many people in the wrong; one man said yes to God and put many in the right.” (Romans 5.19) Because God took on our accountability, everything changed. Grace, acceptance, and mercy replaced judgment, self-focus, and justice. No longer is our self-destruction inevitable, rather the result of a choice we must make.
You and I have a choice. The choice comes each day and actually within each moment as we face decisions and choices. Our willingness to understand the impact is part of the accountability we all bear. We are not hardened silos; we are part of an integrated relationship network. What we do makes a difference to others.
One man said no to God; am I confirming this with each choice? One said yes to God. This One now offers the result as a gift I can wear and be. The impact is life changing. The choice is yours and mine today. My choice is heaven; now!
