Most people struggle to know what kind of path they are on. It is often hard to be honest with our real self, so we find the destination ahead puzzling and confusing. Yesterday’s paper reflected one clear exception, yet there were those immediately around the kids involved that were unable to do anything about it.
The paper’s story reflected on how one judge was unable to accept that a group of teenage boys could terrorize a innocent family with a total lack of any mercy, kindness, or acceptance. There were no obvious factors; race was not an issue, economics did not play a role, and previous conflicts were not involved. In spite of any obvious motivators, the three boys held a family hostage, forced the parents to humiliate themselves in front of their children, and then be the victims of extremes acts of torture. The horror and pain of the details was almost too much for the regular staff writer to comprehend and report.
In contrast to this was the love and concern of a friend’s family who often provides a service when I need to get to the airport. Charles and Pat run a private taxi service. Charles retired years ago, yet continues to reach out and serve his customers with grace, dignity, and acceptance. Charles ended up in the hospital yesterday and Pat called to make sure we had an alternative phone number should we need to travel.
Kindness and love versus hate and anger. Each of us faces the same choice. “Take you stand with God’s loyal community and live, or chase after phantoms of evil and die.” (Proverbs 11.19) The outcome of your choice and mine touches our own lives as well as the lives of those around us. We can live with anger or revel in love.
Life is often confusing. We look there are no obvious direction. Are we looking the wrong way? God offers each of us a Presence to teach and guide. It is in the grace of each moment, we can find real living and clear alternatives.
