As the evening sun faded on the garden, I reflected on the statue of a priest reading. It was as tall as a short hobbit, dominating the garden. As I considered the symbolism, I found myself wrestling with miracle stories mixed with tales of havoc. I feel I am not able to judge history, as my modern eyes struggle to see the truth through the mists of myths and truth. I know there was a lot of pain as well as joy that came with men of the cloth. As the sun continue to fade, I wondered what I would say to myself if I was the one sitting in the garden, reading in my search for truth.
I would remind myself that my highest priority is to do no harm. My words would start with encouraging my heart and mind to choose kindness and compassion before judgment. I would lay out reminders so I would see the need within every individual, including oneself, to be loved and accepted. The recommendation could be summed with the directive, always starting with an embrace and reminder that one is part of a family and community that cares.
I would pause in my search for personal truth to consider all traditions, including the law, through the lens of family and community. “I can already hear your next question: “Does that mean I can’t even trust what is good [that is, the law]? Is good just as dangerous as evil?” No again! Sin simply did what sin is so famous for doing: using the good as a cover to tempt me to do what would finally destroy me. By hiding within God’s good commandment, sin did far more mischief than it could ever have accomplished on its own.” (Romans 7.13) In being human, it is in looking through community, relationship, and belonging that we discover the best within ourselves.
In quietness, I would retell the stories of past havoc, expanding the destruction of yesterday to include today’s confusion. Wisdom begins with a loving embrace that expresses acceptance, care, and kindness.
