Evidence

I am an incredibly fortunate individual.  I have people in my life that love me unconditionally.  I enjoy a job that is rewarding on multiple levels.  I remember, with great joy and an extraordinary sense of peace, moments of relationship.  Life has inflicted turmoil, harsh reminders of evil and difficult moments.  Yet, in the main and on reflection, there is strong foundation for a sense of gratefulness and purpose. 
 
I realize my thankfulness can strike others as odd, almost arrogant.  Bear with me.  I see painful examples of death, injustice, and obstacles around me.  I desperately wish I could purge the pain others struggle with, especially for those close to my heart.  I have no idea how I might accomplish this goal.  I do know I can and must do something. 
 
It is in this context that I find great Hope.  I see God giving me a context to the world in which I find myself.  “‘I spoke, I saved, I told you what existed long before these upstart gods appeared on the scene.  And you know it, you're my witnesses, you're the evidence.’  God's Decree.  ‘Yes, I am God.  I've always been God and I always will be God.  No one can take anything from me.  I make; who can unmake it?’”  (Isaiah 43.12, 13)
 
I am God’s child, as are you.  I am God’s witness.  I can stand up for compassion.  I can represent mercy.  I can fight for realized hope.  All this and more is within my reach with each decision, choice, and action.  It starts with little things.  I can walk gently behind someone fighting for each step, even when deadlines loom.  I can reach for the door, extending a courtesy to someone who is not looking for a handout.  I can take the time to listen, dialogue, and yes talk, even when I do not think I have the time or interest. 
 
I know my response sounds simplistic.  It is anything but.  Always, I can remember.  Consistently, in the hectic rush, I can invest.  In short, I can be God’s evidence.