Grasp

The last election in England was long, at least by British standards.  It lasted five weeks.  My recollection several years later comes down to the two simple observations.  First, the winning party was extremely good at handling criticisms of the day.  They danced, twisted, and planted seeds of hope.  If there words were to be believed, everything was on course.  The gift of more time would provide those dedicated to the cause with the time needed to complete the tasks.  Second, the accusations made by the opposition and questions posed by the press were good ones!  We, the voters, should have paid more attention to them.  Every negative barb and forecast is now reality.
 
Yet memories are often fickle things.  We remember and forget in equal measure. 
 
As the first week of this election passes, I wonder if we have learned from the past.  It doesn’t seem so.  The same issues are here, albeit under a cloud of different questions.  The broken words of yesterday seem forgotten, nobody wants to recount yesterday.  Are we doomed to repeat the cycle?  Is everything just a game?  Can and will we respond to the opportunities to improve the quality and course of our lives and those around us?
 
Poverty, exploitation, and injustice were rife in Jesus’ day.  He was a victim of these.  He also was a force in making a difference.  It is too easy to be cynical about his legacy if one forgets a key difference.  He has never given up on bringing living compassion to those in need.  His provision then is available now.
 
“The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you.  He will remind you of all the things I have told you.”  (John 14.26) 
 
We have the opportunity to play a part in Divinity’s solution to hunger, poverty, and pain.  The tools and power are within our grasp.  Even in the midst of our struggles and the pain present in our life, we can help.  Today is a story begging to be written.