Bites

Mollie and Charlie are good friends, at least it seems that way as I observe a Rhodesian Ridgeback and Chihuahua chasing, playing, and holding each other at bay.  Sixty versus six, a ten-fold factor difference in weight doesn’t seem to matter.  Brat versus self control, both seem to take it in stride.  My food/toy/space versus yours, everything is part of the game.  Both seem to understand the other’s bite; both seem to genuinely enjoy the other.
 
In a contrast of extremes it is hard to know how one would react.  What if I was Goliath in a battle with David?  Would I respect the message coming from one in a position of apparent weakness?  Would I recognize truth when I heard it?  Would I appreciate the intent of an otherwise bizarre situation?
 
I’m not sure I would even recognize the other’s intent because of my focus on fitting the other into a box of my making.  My views dictate what I see and hear.  My framework determines the range and scope of the other party.  Even my values and priorities shape my conclusion of their rights and wrongs.  It would be easy to ask, “who am I’ to ask these types of questions.  Yet there is more, far more to the story than I care to admit.
 
I have been one of those refusing to listen.
I have been one unwilling to change.
I have been one determined to do it on my own.
 
I have and often am this person.  Yet this isn’t what I want to be.  I understand “ at God's thunder Assyria will cower under the clubbing.  Every blow God lands on them with his club is in time to the music of drums and pipes, God in all-out, two-fisted battle, fighting against them.”  (Isaiah 30.31, 32)  God does and will confront Evil where it stands.  God also loves the sinner – unconditionally.  Life’s bites can shape and reform or simply hurt.  I can engage – being part of the game – or fight life at every corner.  The question is mine, and yours, today.