A Moment Aside ---- 17 November 2020
It is true that just about anything could
happen to any of us. This year has proved it in no uncertain way. And what do
we make of it?
The fable of the two dogs noted above says
our world reflects us. In a way, that is true. It doesn’t take into account
such things as personal tragedy, loss, failure, and suffering. Still we all
know people who have endured those in a more-or-less gracious manner. I’d bet
that we also know people who have endured success, riches, pleasures, and
victory and were not satisfied or happy about it.
The grace of God is part of this. It might
not make us happy and successful in all our endeavours. It might not smooth our
path and get rid of all obstacles in our lives. We could remain bitter and sour
and still be grace-filled, if that is what our normal inclination is. (I’m
reminded of Eeore in the Winnie the Pooh stories, who is depressed and still
remains a friend of all the other characters as they accept him as he is. Grace
is still present.)
We can face our days like either of the
two dogs in the fable – happy or growly. Our response might vary with the day
and could change every day. Who knows? Even through all this, we can be assured
that God’s grace in Jesus Christ remains with us, whether the happy us or the
cranky us. Neither of those chase grace away… although the people around us
will respond as they respond.
Here’s a word from a man many consider
wise. It isn’t “religious” or “holy”, but I think it is real and that alone
says a lot about it.
“Folks are usually about as happy
as they
make their minds up to be.”
― Abraham Lincoln
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