Scene

In every great comedic film there is a scene, often more than one, which the “buck” is passed between the funny one and the straight one.  It is, to me, always ironic humor.  Both know the issue or question.  Both know each has no clued as to what will happen next.  Both understand the ball shouldn’t stop on his or her seat.  Ironically the scene is far more true to life than anyone normally admits.  The record of the repeating conversation goes something like this.
 
“One brother will grab another and say, ‘You look like you've got a head on your shoulders.  Do something!  Get us out of this mess.’
 
And he'll say, ‘Me?  Not me!  I don't have a clue.  Don't put me in charge of anything.’” (Isaiah 3.6, 7) 
 
Both are right yet both miss the point.  There are many who look like they are smart, bright, and full of ideas.  In truth they are smart, bright, and full of great ideas.  Equally so they don’t have a clue of the bigger picture!  Each things and often believes he or she has a handle on life.  Each wants this assurance.  Yet life continues to throw curves, potholes, and other unexpected, unpredictable, and non-logical events.  It is impossible to see the big picture.  It is impossible to know the answer to life’s wicked problems.  It is impossible for anyone to stay totally focused on life’s most important priorities and values.
 
Yet the knowledge that both are true doesn’t change the question which sits this morning and in each moment.  Will we engage in life?  Are we engaged?  Do we understand what it means to be engaged?
 
Part of the scene is known well in advance.  Pain will be present, above or below the surface.  Relationships will be stressed, at their heart or on the edges.  We, you and or I, can be the difference.  We are not in charge of the bigger picture but we are in charge of our lives.  We can choose to life in the moment.  We can align ourselves with Divinity.