I am discovering that I have a deep-rooted belief when it comes to others. I may forget it at times, yet I find myself coming back to a central tenant. My premise when it comes to others is this; individuals have a thirst and need to do the right thing. There are times that life may force them into a different position, yet the thirst remains in our hearts. Each will, on occasion, make bad choices, however the heart longs for the ideal.
I realize I may be a contrarian when it comes to this belief. I accept that there are evil people in the world. I find it problematic to extend this logic to the extent that I am able to see who is evil as distinct from who has/is stumbling.
As I reflect on the debates around me, from where we build a building with a particular label to the place where speeches are made, it appears that we have our grip on the idea that we are all members of God’s family. I find myself holding several reminders.
We, without exclusions, filters, or boundaries, are God’s kids. God adopted us, not the other way around. In this context, “People conceived and brought into life by God don’t make a practice of sin. How could they? God’s seed is deep within them, making them who they are. It’s not in the nature of the God-begotten to practice and parade sin.” (1 John 3.9) Individuals stumble, often getting lost for a period of time, yet each heart longs for God’s embrace through the individuals that are around them.
Each struggles with demons in the darkness of our souls. To say otherwise is denying the reality we find ourselves in. We may have created a few ourselves. Regardless, the struggle continues.
Answers to life’s conundrums are difficult. They are rarely as complex or problematic as they appear.
Today I can learn from others. We can share our burdens. We can walk, working to make a difference in the time and place we find ourselves. Carpe diem.
