The situation does not look good. By all appearances, countries are bullying others into letting goal of their sovereign rights. Regionally, political groups struggle with house to respond with conflicting interests swirling just below the surface. Locally, there is an ambivalence that runs the spectrum from not caring at all to pushing accountabilities into the court of the innocents.
There is far more about the geopolitical mess that I do not know than what I do. I struggle to understand the historical context. My mind gets fuzzy when I try to keep the names aligned with the players and how their roles continue to play out in the drama. As much as I want us, whoever us is, to do something, I have no view on what something is. If someone asked me for my view, I would shrug my shoulders, try to mumble something intelligent, and hope the subject changed quickly.
Locally, it is another story. There is a tangible feeling of being the fall guy. I can see it playing out on multiple fronts. I have my suspects but nothing can be proven. My tendency to be overly candid leads me to a longing desire to confront and, dare I use the word, accuse. My thoughts form the spear; “Behind the scenes you brew cauldrons of evil, behind closed doors you make deals with demons.” (Psalm 58.2)
I find myself taking a deep breath and refocusing on my priorities. In that reflection there are three truths that stand out.
I know what I know. I have a firm sight on what I am called to do. There is a certainty and clarity in this. Above all, I need to deliver with this, regardless of anything else.
As much as I think I can see, I am not sure I can see. Appearances, perceptions, and possibilities are all good friends of mythology. Treating them as facts is dangerous.
What seems good may not be in the larger story. Equally true, what appears to be bad may be a good thing in disguise.
Focus is good.
