Nov 20, 2021
It's often repeated, "We demand justice for others but mercy for ourselves." Despite all our technological advances, the human condition remains fraught with one-sided grievances. In my journey, I notice that the shortcomings of others appear in 20/20 focus, while I ashamedly apply a much softer filter to my own. Blaming others for disappointments is easy – and even justifiable. Yet, I learned bitterness does nothing to improve my contentment and wellbeing. Although it seems counterintuitive, a friend shared an effective way to live peacefully is by concentrating on "cleaning my side of the street." A tremendous mental shift occurred for me when I took a hard look at my offenses rather than focusing on others. I painfully discovered that while I was the statue some days – other days, I regretfully was the pigeon. Although disappointment remains a constant in this world, grace is optional. We become gracious when extending to others the same grace we desire for ourselves.
“Man is born broken. He lives by mending. The grace of God is glue.” - Eugene O'Neill