I was confident. I was looking forward to closing out the task at hand and getting to the big challenge! This was going to be exciting. Everything pointed towards a wild ride, lots of highs as well as a few challenges.
Fast forward days, weeks, and possibly measured in months and you will find that I am trying, pushing and waiting to close out the task at hand. It is getting a bit tiring, almost as if someone somewhere is trying to let me know that it will never be complete. I recently paused to take a fresh measure of the dream, the costs and potential outcome, as well as my role along the way. Lingering observations include the following.
You and I are called to live. Life is not about retreating, hiding, or always operating out of the sight of others. Life involves risks, challenges, and at times brutal blows. We, individually and collectively, are called to fight in life’s arena – not for glory or fame, but to make a difference while pursuing justice, compassion, and community.
You and I have something to offer. We can bring relationship to others longing be part of something. We can bring compassion to those who aspire to more. Our ability to bring hope is endless. The psalm of yesterday is still true today; “God gave his word and he won’t take it back: you’re the permanent priest, the Melchizedek priest.” (Psalm 110.04)
We are call to endure. Life can be painful, difficult, and crippling. Life is often unfair. Big mountains and barriers can emerge to block our path. In all this as well in the good times, we are called, empowered, and gifted to be a force of good.
As a storm rolls in this morning, I am reminded how dark everything around me can be. There is no denying the reality of what I can see and feel. Equally so, the reminders of beauty and love are as close as my acceptance. As tangible as my doubts are, I can feel the power and pull of Hope.
