I caught up with a friend a few weeks ago, enjoying the stories with a silent sense of relief that I was not part of any of them. The sagas and soap operas from our shared history had extended and morphed in ways we did not imagine. At the heart of the story, the familiar story line had not changed. The bad guys seemed to win, always at the good one’s expense. But, things were changing! It was a time to celebrate.
Two weeks later, I accidently meet another character in the story. The familiar style and banter brought back a flood of unwanted memories.
“How are you doing? Enjoying the new role?”
The story unfolded was anything but the one that I had celebrated two weeks earlier. As I listened, amused and sadden, I was reminded of old writers noting how many, myself included, have reacted to events in the past; “The righteous will call up their friends when they see the wicked get their reward, serve up their blood in goblets as they toast one another.” (Psalm 58.10)
To myself I listened and reflected on three truths that I know but often forget.
Nothing is ever over until it is over, especially in the battle of good versus evil. I forget, especially when there is the appearance of a win.
The battle against evil is not my battle; it is another’s. My battle is one of choice. What will I choose to do in the situation that is alive in the moment at hand? Will I embrace my interests or will I decide in the context of what is best for us? That is my only decision, my only role. Warning, the decision may be in the context of battle, so never assume it is the avoidance of conflict.
Hope lives when one, anyone, stands and acts for good. We are part of a bigger story. It may seem like everything is getting darker, but the larger story is still unfolding. I believe Good wins. Until the final battle is over, my role remains.
ision may be in the context of battle, so never assume it is the avoidance of conflict.
Hope lives when one, anyone, stands and acts for good. We are part of a bigger story. It may seem like everything is getting darker, but the larger story is still unfolding. I believe Good wins. Until the final battle is over, my role remains.
