Justified
Yesterday I played hard ball with the big guys. I held my own. I didn’t go belly up. I fought for my rights and got half of what I asked for. I’ve spared you the details, you all have busy lives, but it’s our stories which make us human. It’s how we know one another and connect. Offer understanding. Commiserate. Judgment and comparison are story skewers. So is advice, unless solicited. Perspective giving is laudable, but can be shaming (of course I’m sorry for the suffering of others. Of course it’s worse in Turkey/Syria/Ukraine…). But I am here, now, struggling with this issue, I am not much help at all in Turkey, they don’t need my guilt (when my Aunt Leora reminded me of the starving children I offered to box up my vegetables and send them. How does my pea eating help them any?)
If you’re trying to make a point, just say so. Jesus was masterful at this, with his parables. Buddha said, “Life is suffering.” Peas or no peas, we all are living without the things we think we need to be happy and fulfilled. All the beautiful “Be Here Now” books (and podcasts), and we still can’t claim our own lives. Still throw love hard under the bus, justified. If there is any justice to be served, each of us makes it so. Every day, every decision, a lifetime of doing the right thing with the best of intentions. There is no punishment that makes you behave better. That is the work of love. Kick your dog, your dog turns hateful. Jesus said, “Love your enemies.” Starting with yourself. Change your story, change your life.
LBM 2/24/2023
