Life is often hectic even though most of us constantly long for peace and calm. Life is tumultuous even as we try to chart a course that will minimize our personal ups and downs. Life is full of pain, joy, love, sorrow, sadness, and every emotion that one can possibly think of.
In the middle of life, at any given moment in time, I often find that my focus is slightly skewed. No matter how disciplined I want to be, I often end up in a state wondering how I got there and what I can do now to get out. In spite of my intentions, far too often I am the vehicle and pain and anguish instead of the values that I hold most precious. Even with my reflective focus I am often blinded by the past.
It is so easy to do something that you would have never considered in a different moment in time. Snooping into areas where you do not belong happens far more often than I want to admit. Putting my self in places of risk always follows my confident arrogance. And then there are the moments where one “grab[s] a mad dog by the ears when you butt into a quarrel that’s none of your business.” (Proverbs 26.17)
Is your mission in life or mine determined by our circumstances? Is our response dictated by anything other our choice and decision? Are we forced into a course of action by the decisions of others?
Death has been close during the past days. People I have known and considered family have gone and the sadness that gathers around my heart is tangible even through my denials. Others have been taken for reasons that baffle all. Life is fragile and risky. Yet the calling of your mission and mine is clear.
We are here to worship God and to share our experience with others. Our focus is found in doing this in reality of living in the present. In fact the pain, joy, troubles, and gifts are just color to what really matters.
