As complicating, chaotic, and messy as life is, at the core it is really simple. You and I have a moment. We can choose our response. We will need to decide. Not acting is one of our choices. Whatever follows will be the combination of many factors – some in our control, others not. In any event, the act of living is found in the moment at hand.
Will community take precedence over our self? Will compassion trump justice? Will we reach for something better or settle for what already is?
The answers tell a story that extends beyond the immediate. We live is a world connected on multiple levels. Today’s events ripple into tomorrow. Yesterday’s decisions touch those immediately connected and well beyond.
There is evidence that our bodies make decisions before our minds become fully aware. We can try to override, but we have an internal bias to decisions that rests within us. The one thing that we can do to control this bias is to feel it with our heart’s hopes and dreams. By letting the best of what we aspire to rest within us, we are changed from our heart outwards. Reflecting on compassion seeds compassion within us. Letting the beauty and wonder found in life wash over us changes our heart’s understanding of the world.
As today begins, I want to make sure my life is on message. I hear the advice of those before me; “This Jesus is both True God and Real Life. Dear children, be on guard against all clever facsimiles.” (1 John 5.21) I need to seek the core. I need to navigate through the way others hear and see the same. The dialogue, engaging spiritually with those around me, is important. Staying on message is a worthy quest within itself.
The quest is sterile unless it finds life in our actions. Remember, in the quiet actions of the day we reveal the true values of our hearts. As we listen to our heart, we can reach for more. If we hold God’s hand, everything is possible.
