As I get older I’m learning that the arc of our broken lives is, itself, a gift from God. There was a time when I was younger that I really thought that I was alright and all of the problems were caused by the other people around me.
Life has a way of humbling some people, though. It was in my college years that I began to realize that, indeed, I was capable of causing a lot of damage, myself. I was humbled by the sheer size of the mess I’d made of my life by that point.
I was humbled even more, a few years later, to realize that God still loved me and was willing to welcome me back. Not only that, but, he blessed me with a wonderful wife and kids, too!
Through the process of aging, it’s become apparent that there are people that are younger, sharper, and faster than I am. I may even be able to learn a thing or two from them.
Through this whole trajectory I’m learning to view my circumstances and those of others from multiple perspectives and I think that is exactly what God wants: empathy. When we can consider the needs, problems, and preferences on the same level, if not before, our own, we can show love to others. We can be less selfish. We can become selfless.
Think of those who’ve given you a hand up in life. Who can you reach down to lend a hand to? Your action of reaching out to somebody else now, particularly during this chaotic pandemic, could have a positive impact bigger than you can imagine that lasts into eternity.
