The scene is idyllic; bright sun, sharp shadows, and fresh sights. As I gaze out the window I’m visualizing my day. I anticipate fresh accomplishments, insightful conversations, and great food. I blissfully bathe in the confidence of what’s to come, wary yet confident and optimistic. I walk outside, ignorantly in hindsight, and find myself blasted! The world is in the low twenties, wind kicking things, and the sun has gone into hiding. Every body part is instantly numbingly cold. As I catch my breath I realize my ears sting, eyes water, and fingers cry for warmth and protection. Even my feet are screaming, as if they’ve been seized by an unknown, unseen, and unanticipated assailant.
What happened in the six floor elevator ride? Actually, nothing happened. When I went back and checked the weather site I found myself being inundated with facts and figures, all warning one to be careful, dress warmly, and to be sensitive to changing conditions.
Many ignore God. Life can seem to be “just fine” without the hassle of knowing, dealing with, and responding to Divinity. I gently suggest that we, you and I, do this at great personal risk! The reality is that “many of them are going to run into that Rock [God] and get their bones broken, get tangled up in that barbed wire and not get free of it.” (Isaiah 8.15)
There is a simple alternative. While described in different ways, the following steps are always included.
First, be aware. Don’t let ignorance be the reason for being hurt.
Second, you have choices. With awareness comes the freedom to respond. This is ours.
Third, ignoring, denying, or trying to reshape what is inside and outside is a fruitless exercise. Life and God are. The question is simply how we relate to both.
Forth, good and bad things happen to those deserving and undeserving. The God I know is here to help. Putting these two concepts together is the beginning of Hope.
Fifth, life is about living. God offers Hope, Peace, and Opportunity. They are ours if we choose.
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