Taking Stock

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

If praying for peace is idealistic or trite, what is endorsing war?

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Let me compare our lives to that of Miss Daisy, with you as Hoke, our driver.

We want to go places and do things, but can’t manage to go by ourselves. At first, we don’t like the suggestion that we need you to drive us. Gradually we accept the idea, then grow to like having your take us places. Later, we learn to trust you, depend on you, befriend you.

You do not impose yourself on our lives, but neither do you permit us to deny you your integrity. And, in the end, we are closer to you than perhaps to anyone in our “natural” relations.

I think the comparison works, perhaps was intended by the playwright.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“No problem.”

[Not what He said in response to the leper who thanked Him for being healed. He had proper manners, so He probably would have said “You’re welcome” – had He spoken English.]

D. Blog: Taking Stock

In the face of the death of someone near and dear to me, I am a little stunned, even though it has been expected for some weeks and anticipated for a few days. Again I am reminded of how life sends shocks to our system that shake us from complacency and renew our hold on life. The shocks make us take stock of what is important to us, get a clearer grasp of what we want to do with our lives. We need this – taking stock. Sudden shocks can be the impetus that moves us to do that. We don’t call for them ourselves, else it would not be shock. But the shock therapy works. We go on with renewed clarity of mind and vision.