If I inventory the moments past and future that are sitting top of mind, I find myself looking at a list driven by fear, uncertainties, and doubts. Good events, opportunities, and moments of beauty are in the minority. The sense that Evil is dominating the day is overwhelming. It is hard to see how Hope will create enough space for good to emerge.
In the reflection of these memories, it can seem that the darkness of the tropical storm that sits over me as I write will eventually dominate everything! There is little chance that things will be different. Even if things turn, the damage will remain.
As I look back over the past twenty-four hours I find myself holding three threads of wonderful hope. In each example, I could see, touch, and experience friendship. The celebration of taking steps together, collaborating in work that overlapped in our lives, listening and supporting the stories that we are a part of, are memories that are alive.
Cynicism suggests that these are unusual events, singular occurrences. As the debate grows in my mind, I realize that the key lies in seeing, really seeing and understanding, the good as clearly and succinctly as I do the bad. Instead of rushing through life, barely acknowledging the way friends interact and support me in the daily grind, I could take time to reflect. Each reflection is an opportunity to put evil in its proper context with good, despair in context of hope, barriers next to windows.
A historian noted how Divinity took action; “On that day that Shaddai scattered the kings, snow fell on Black Mountain.” (Psalm 68.14) I have no doubt that there was an endless list of other things going on at the time. People were suffering, celebrations were occurring, and big decisions were being taken at multiple levels. Yet this was the one that stood out.
Even now as my reflection continues, what stands out are the acts of compassionate caring. Evil moves into the shadows. With support from friends, I know I can take on today’s challenges.
