It is interesting to watch how long it takes for someone to realize that s/he has the attention they have been seeking. It is easier to see it in others, but in saying so I have come to realize that every example I see outside of me is replayed in my life.
The obvious example is found in daily battles we find ourselves in. Life rarely feels as true as it is. Life used a series of recent experiences to set a series of blunt questions in context.
In our stories what do we remember? Are gifts of joy and wonder at the top of the list no matter what else is going on?
Not in my life. I find that pain and anguish are often used by Evil in an effort to block our memories of Hope and Love. As often as good things occur in our lives, a single moment of pain can overwhelm years of amazing memories. As deeply as we are impacted by compassion and healing, anguish pushes our awareness beyond our reach.
When help arrives, do we realize that it may have been there all the time? Friends, wise people way before my time, have repeated an old observation time and time again; “I waited and waited and waited for God. At last he looked; finally he listened.” (Psalm 40.1)
Really? As often as I have said that also realize that I know it is not true. God was, is, and will always be present.
The challenge I have is being willing to turn away from evil and then mustering the courage to let Compassion embrace me. As crazy as it might sound, I understand evil. At times, I think I deserve it! In contrast, unconditional love, unlimited compassion, and community are ideas that fluctuate between being impossible and something that I desperately want to accept.
I remind myself to let Life and Good do what they are want to do. Evil will not ask. Goodness does. Giving Hope, Compassion, and Love permission to touch one’s life is a critical step.
