I will be the first to admit that I am clueless about much in life. Why a women might choose to live with a man for two plus decades. How a computer really works. Why any human being considers forgiveness, acceptance, and love are so important. Which is “the” way to make a decision. How do baseball players actually see an inside curve ball playing at night? What could possibly be a valid reason for one human being to hurt another? Why knowing the former do I so frequently do the latter?
Obviously, the list of what one does not know is usually longer than the things that one does. I am sure my parents thought that they had put in a lot of effort, and even might be distressed now to hear me expressing my limitations. This is not their fault. My wife talks of training me; after twenty-two years of hard work does anything show for her pain and effort? Yes, but clearly not enough!
Most find the challenge of admitting their weaknesses to be a daunting task. In the quiet of the night, the effort touches one's view, image, and value of self. For me this is not the challenge. The difference lies in the hidden fact that God gave all so that you and I can live restored into everything that our creator imagined. If God did this then His very act defines my value. The incredible part comes when one realizes that anything I have done, am doing, and might do has no role in this decision. We are beloved because of who we are and the choice God made about us. Unless one accepts this gift, knowing one's true limits is an impossible task.
I know that I do not know very much. My solution is to make a list of all the things I want and need. Solomon anticipated this and gave directions. “Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding!” (Proverbs 4.7) This is the first step to complete living. Dare to take it with me?
