I wish that life had more clear choices. When I come to a T-intersection while driving I have a choice of right or left. If nothing else works I can flip a coin. If I find I made the wrong choice it is just a matter of 180 degrees.
It doesn’t seem to work that way in life.
Take the struggle involved in electing a new president. The Republicans started off the season with a strong bench of good people. I had a handful that I could have voted for then and a group that I was willing to look at. Then Scott Walker dropped out. It became obvious that some of the ones who would make great presidents could not get elected. Finally we are down to one I like, one I could live with and one I can’t stand. What happens if the final choice comes down to Trump or Hillary? Life isn’t easy.
How about finding a church. There are none that seem to be good enough. I can find some good preaching but they all seem to have congregations that have drunk the koolaide of contemporary music. Most that I visit have Ichabod written over the door. I found a church I could live with. I got involved. The powers that be closed it down. Life isn’t easy.
What about moral choices? Some decisions are easy. I don’t murder or rob banks. But what about the call to legalize drugs. The government is using the war on drugs as an excuse to take away our rights. They can arrest, harass and seize property without due process. They are getting out of hand. Do I want to legalize drugs like marijuana? No, but the time is coming when I might vote for it just to get the government out of my business. Life isn’t easy.
Or what about simple things like food choices. As you know, if it tastes good it is bad for you. Is salt good or evil? Can we eat eggs or not? Are cows our brothers? Life isn’t easy.
Maybe in life we need to settle for what we can find. Maybe. That doesn’t mean I won’t keep getting on my horse and looking for windmills to challenge.
homo unius libri
The older I get, the more it seems like life is all about choosing the lesser of many evils.
ReplyDeleteIt is called wisdom. We understand that evil exists. It called discernment. We know that we must make choices. It is called morality. We know that choices make a difference.
DeleteMay you continue to get older. I am still praying in that regard.
Grace and peace.
I don't know if maybe I'm just noticing it more as I get older, but it does seem that evil is more ubiquitous and outspoken. People don't even try to hide it any more (e.g. Hillary Clinton)
ReplyDeleteThe difference that age gives is the difference between the youth chanting for Bernie and the older people who will probably hold their nose and vote for Trump. It is like being born color blind and suddenly having a Wizard of Oz moment.
DeleteGrace and peace.