Eyes on the Prize

Some blessings come unlooked for. Some favors are unwanted. Sometimes -- in the words of Paolo Coelho -- the Universe will do something seemingly harsh to knock us back on track.

Sometimes God is a severe father, yet he is always working for our own good.

When you spend time in the dark tunnel and see the light ahead, only to have it blotted out, it can be a terribly disconcerting experience. For the prayerful, peaceful supplications can become bitter accusations and harsh words. There are times that the words fail, and as you lie awake at night, all you can do is send your groans upwards.

...yet he is always working for our own good.

It's important to recognize those times in our lives when we are called to step back and reevaluate our existence. This has been the context of my summer, one of hard work and much thought. I still have the occasional sleepless night, but things are starting to come into focus.

When Jesus told us to turn the other cheek, I don't think he was encouraging pacifism or wimpiness. If you read the statement in context, it seems that the "strike" that Christ is referring to is a backhand. A dismissive blow, from a (supposedly) higher power.

I think that Christ is really saying: "when you are backhanded and told to desist, then rise and present your other cheek. Insist on being hit with the front of the hand, as an equal."

The other cheek is turned.

The hard work is over for a litte while, and now I have time to take my thoughts to the road. First, to the Northeast coast, where so many great American creative souls have found inspiration and consolation. Then, to Krakow, a seat of Kings and a nest of Poets...I am going to drink deeply of the Christian courage of my ancestors.

(I can hardly afford any of this, but it's exactly what I need at the moment.)

That familiar fire is returning in the pit of my stomach, the eyes are narrowing, yet the anger is diminishing. Focus. Joy. The rest of my energy will be used to embrace the blessings unlooked for. I won't let anger chain me to the spot where I was brought to my knees.

The other cheek is turned.

...and HE is always working for our very greatest good...