In living, we accept risk. We may not like the fact that everything we touch comes with risk. Risk shows up in small things as well as big. The ideas we embrace may not be true. The rules we follow on the road may not protect us from the actions of others. The traditions we follow may not be helpful. There are risks attached with everything.
I find myself responding to emails, wondering if I am willing to accept the risks. Some I can see. Others remain beyond my vision. I can sense something is not quite right. I have no hard evidence. I cannot point to any fact. Cynically, it is just a hunch. Real or not, in responding I am assuming some kind of risk.
As I reflect on stories from the past, I can see how agendas fold into simple requests. In one story, as “the high priests and top leaders renewed their vendetta against Paul. They asked Festus if he wouldn’t please do them a favor by sending Paul to Jerusalem to respond to their charges.” (Acts 25.2) How would I respond? Would I see the risk if I were in Festus’ shoes? Do I see the obvious now?
I freely admit that my vision is flawed. I know I partially blind. I also know that I have to respond and live.
In walking into the unknown, I would offer you the same advice that I give to myself.
Not knowing is natural. Even when we think we see everything, we do not.
Life does not demand that we see perfectly. Life asks us to make a difference in the moment at hand.
In our humanness, we will make mistakes. Each is an opportunity to learn. Each reminds us to of the priceless gift that being compassionate to others represents.
I sit on a flight into the unknown. There is no script to follow. The unknowns outnumber the known. Yet, I see Hope’s hand working. You and I can make a difference. Living, fully and with hope, is a risk worth taking.
