The clich? says timing is everything. I’m sure everyone can tell stories of lost love, missed opportunities, and bungled action. I wonder if we have taken the truth buried in the clich? and twisted it around so that we carry an excuse for non-action. Is there ever a time when we should not pursue truth? Can there ever be a moment where compassion should not be exercised? Should we even consider doing something that is not merciful?
I am not suggesting that life is an easy path where everyone is permanently and irrevocably in love. In fact the reality of the world in which we live comes with pain, anguish, and turmoil. The question is one of response. Is there ever a time where doing the right thing isn’t the right thing?
This week I have had several tough conversations. Part of the message contained difficult things to accept. Even for those who accepted the response as positive there was a tough part; for others who received their negative news is was hard to see the part with hope. In the midst of scheduling meetings and calls everything fell to pieces! It was clearly my fault; optimistic ideals, late nights, and work on keep deliverables all pushed the time available to meet and discuss into a narrow corner. In the end I made rushed phone calls where face to face meetings should have been scheduled.
I found myself facing an inner question that I can see echoed in everyday. Is there ever a time that I shouldn’t do the right thing? If you are wondering I would define the right thing as action filled with hope, compassion, and mercy. My conclusion was no!
“As you look around right now, wouldn't you say that in about four months it will be time to harvest? Well, I'm telling you to open your eyes and take a good look at what's right in front of you. These Samaritan fields are ripe. It's harvest time!” (John 4.35)
People need hope, compassion, and mercy more than life itself. Not tomorrow, now.
