I have recently become convinced that this journey between cynicism and humility/hope (sainthood) is a dominant feature of life in this world. In order to cope with life in the world, we must either whole-heartedly affirm or completely deny the existence of Goodness.
A friend of mine was dealing with some difficult things a few weeks ago. I went to him to provide counsel and quickly recognized a sickening amount of cynicism developing in him. I spent about an hour sharing my belief in the goodness of people... in resurrection... in love... in the inevitable possibility of peace in our world. I hoped that my convictions would comfort him. They did.
A number of very stressful and shocking things have happened in my peer group here in Chicago this past week. I spent a lot of time this week feeling hurt and betrayed...
Last night, I went back to the same friend that I had spoken to a few weeks ago. This time it was I who was cynical. But, like a good friend, he repeated back to me the same sentiments that I had not allowed him to forget... that people are good... resurrection is all around us... love is real... peace will prevail.
I am lucky enough to have relationships with people who will hold me accountable for humility/hope at those times when cynicism seems like the easiest way to cope. I am learning that developing these relationships is absolutely necessary if we are truly committed to becoming saints... especially for us turtles who consistently fall down and struggle to get back up.
Please pray for me. I pray for you daily! Peace turtles!

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