IMBALANCED

​There have been a few times in my life that I have received a compliment by mistake. Good job on this or that when I didn’t have anything to do with why that thing was good. I often don’t know what to do with those types of compliments. Most of the time, I graciously accept because I don’t want to be the cause of an awkward moment.

There are also times when someone has given me the benefit of the doubt, or someone even lets me merge into traffic when they had the right of way. I seem to have no problem accepting those gestures. I know I don’t really deserve it. But I like to think that they might see something in me that is worthy.  

Maybe you are the same way. My hunch is that you accept those things too.  

Then there are the times when we’re unfairly blamed, harshly judged, or cut off in traffic. When that happens, I think that is completely unacceptable. In fact, it is enough to ruin a whole day if I am not careful. Many times, in our culture, it is an accepted reason for revenge or, at the very least, the blowing off of steam.  

Does that feel imbalanced?  

I suspect that one reason (among the many to choose from) for this imbalance is that we can forget that we are deeply loved by the God of the Universe who created us from the dust of the earth and loves us even when we can be hard to love. 

So, this week, when you are feeling a bit out of balance, take some time to pray a prayer from Thomas à Kempis.  

Write your blessed name, O Lord, upon my heart, there to remain so indelibly graven that no prosperity, no adversity, shall ever move me from your love. Be to me a strong tower of defense, a comforter in tribulation, a deliverer in distress, a very present help in trouble, and a guide to heaven through the many temptations and dangers of this life.  
~Amen    

Peace, 
Travis Segar 
Pastor for Care and Community