Image by Beautiful Light Photography
Just as you do not know how the life breath enters the human frame in the mother’s womb,So you do not know the work of God, who is working in everything. Ecclesiastes 11:5
My mom always says,
“The Lord works in mysterious ways”.
This statement would usually be made after I had come to her with one of those moments where I exhibited pure foolishness, or when He just threw a complete curveball in my life. Now that I’m older, I’d like to think I’m wiser (hopefully...) but I am also able to more fully understand the limitations of my humanness.
No matter how much I think I know neither myself nor any other can assess with 100% accuracy the heart of another. This knowledge challenges me to be open to mercy in times when I would have been very opposed to it.
Rejoice, O youth, while you are young,
and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth.
Follow the ways of your heart,
the vision of your eyes;
Yet understand regarding all this
that God will bring you to judgment. Ecclesiastes 11:9
In tune with verse 5, this verse reminds me not to critique those who choose a different life path. The Church has very clear positions on hot topics—abortion, same sex marriage, and contraception being only a few.
The fact of the matter is that many people will choose to lead these alternative lifestyles fully confident that they are called, sometimes even by God. Instead of harshly judging or arguing with family, friends, and coworkers, let God do the judging.
Reflect: In what situation(s) do I need to be reminded of my humanness and show mercy to others?
Act: Take the first step to healing a broken relationship.
