Identifying problems is really quite easy. One may not get the total picture; however, getting the obvious ones is a natural way of looking at life. We know the weaknesses of our parents all too well. We live with the frustration of those close to us. We struggle to overcome our emotional baggage when even one person or institution does not live up to our expectations! This analysis never applies to us of course!
The challenge is never a matter of having or not having problems in our lives. In my experience, we all face a myriad of challenges that only grow as we grow! The question lies with the “Cynics! How long will you feed your cynicism?” (Proverbs 1.22) The decision rests squarely in my court.
People often assume that people who look at the world in crisp reality are cynics. There is, in my view, a major difference! Cynics look at the world around them and revel in weaknesses, limitations, and shortcomings of anyone but themselves. The view is constantly on what was, never or what could be. Cynics see the world from their own framework, unwilling or unable to look at life from another perspective with compassion and understanding. It would appear that we are trying to solve the future by hitting on the past.
God offers a radical alternative. God perspective of the past and present is open and honest. He never ignores the past; in fact, he openly acknowledges the ugliness of it all. He is completely aware that the future brings with it a high degree of certainty that we will turn yet again and again away from Him. Knowing this does not cause God to turn His face to the past; He looks resolutely towards the future and what can be.
We have this alternative today! We can learn from today and yesterday because of what God continues to do on our behalf. We can take steps forward, together with each other and God himself. The reason is simple! God gives us total, absolute and unconditional love.
