Recent events have resurfaced the question of justice. It is easy to talk about bad things, especially when the events or actions touch someone else. When it gets personal, the usually thoughts of compassion, forgiveness, and mercy find themselves competing with intense emotional demands for justice and accountability. With the nerves raw, the battle within my head and heart has grown into full warfare. I desperately want justice. I need accountability. If Life could add some punitive measures to the response, perfect! Of course the punitive measures are purely for the benefit others; they have nothing to do with my need for revenge.
One of my historical heroes often took a different approach. Somehow, someway, he let go. His words tell a great story; “I’m thanking God, who makes things right. I’m singing the fame of heaven-high God.” (Psalm 7.17)
I wonder, as I mull over my response to the various events, if I have the patience and courage to let Divinity decide what is best in the life of others. Can or should I let karma takes it course in the full cycle of life? I am, by nature, prone to act. I like control. Orchestrating outcomes feels good. Letting Divinity stay in charge is not, for me, natural.
I wish I could say that my recent responses were perfect. Life has generously reminded me that there were lessons from each, even when they were less than ideal. One amazes me is that Life is able to teach while also holding accountable, nurture while also keeping responsibility in place. It is a paradox that whispers that I should let go more often. When I do, life is able to help others while letting the full cycle of their choices play out in her/his life.
One reminder that has come home this week it is this; life is difficult enough for everyone – those who are good as well as those less so, those who are compassionate as well as those who demand justice. I do not need to make things harder. It is not my calling.
