“We only get ahead when we are willing to play the game.” (Author Unknown)
Pilate. Hitler. Putin. Me. Some get ahead. Others evolve in the light of Christ’s love and mercy.
We can’t truly know, let alone follow, God’s plan for our lives without his mercy. Because we are sinful and generally narcissistic by nature, we tend to operate out of primary concern for the self. Charles Darwin would argue that self-preservation is essential for survival. His principles, outlined in The Origin of Species, certainly pertain to animals and living things in nature. Yet, human beings have the added elements of intellect and free-will factored into our spiritual evolution. We can choose to care primarily for ourselves (as animals naturally do), or to genuinely care for and grow together with others, despite whatever they have said or done to us.
An acquaintance, from my early band-gigging years, shared a story recently about an experience of God’s mercy that took quite a number of years to be realized. Thirty years ago, this musician had made a choice to fire the long time keyboard player in order to make needed musical improvements, to “get more gigs” for the group. As a result they fell out, had no contact thereafter, and the friendship was all but lost.
During the last several years, the musician had progressively realized self-disappointment and sorrow for the manner in which he had cut the old chum. He found himself wondering if he would ever have an opportunity to apologize and reconcile the friendship. After posting pics of a recent gig on the east coast on social media, the musician was contacted by the estranged keyboard player (now living in that area), asking if they could meet for a beer. Wow! Still questioning and not sure what to expect, the musician agreed to meet, hoping this might be the opportunity.
Their meeting at the pub was truly a joyful reunion complete with the apology, forgiveness (after the second beer), and the renewal of their friendship.
Spiritual maturity ensues when we allow relationships to be more important than poor practices or bad, self-serving decisions. We all make mistakes. Grievous errors can be forgiven in the light of God’s divine mercy. Sometimes, we merely need to take the first step in hope. It’s never too late. All in God’s time in his mercy.
Find a place of peace. Pray for mercy. Recognize the creator in one another. Forgive.
-Amy Righi