Immune

None of us are immune.  The comment applies to any and everyone in the positive as well as the negative.  Even as our, at least my, arrogance tells me otherwise, the blunt reality of life rests in the simple fact that I am vulnerable to unmerited gifts and merited accountability.  
 
It is interesting to watch life play itself out in ways that say otherwise.  I find myself reflecting on the carelessness many New Yorkers have with life and matters important.  Some think marriage is a “so what or why” choice.  Yesterday I shared in the joys and excitement of two people who believe otherwise.  Some believe relationships can be taken for granted, used, and carelessly discarded.  I find myself benefiting from the joy and peace which comes from nurturing, protecting, and cherishing the relationships of those in my life.  Some even suggest that life is simply an equation of maximizing one’s enjoyment and pleasure.  I find living, sacrificing, and doing what is best for the community is the richest way of living.
 
To those who are users, exploiters, and takers, the warning is plain.  “God will rise to full stature, raging as he did long ago on Mount Perazim and in the valley of Gibeon against the Philistines.  But this time it's against you.  Hard to believe, but true.  Not what you'd expect, but it's coming.  Sober up, friends, and don't scoff.  Scoffing will just make it worse.  I've heard the orders issued for destruction, orders from God-of-the-Angel-Armies—ending up in an international disaster.”  (Isaiah 28.21, 22) 
 
For those who turn towards compassion, mercy, and community – God has a special gift already prepared.  From what I’ve experienced it is awesome, yet there’s more.  I know it’s God’s desire that you and I receive this gift to the maximum.  We have the opportunity to share in Divinity’s Hope for this world.  We can live life to the fullest.  It all starts with opening the self up to God.  It isn’t just one time; it is as often as we express love, act with compassion, and embrace mercy.