discontent and hope...

there seems to be growing discontent welling up in my heart these days as i watch the news and hear of tragedy after tragedy. we live in a day of war, grinding poverty, and corruption which can wear down even the most "positive" believer and yet we are called by God to proclaim the coming of his kingdom into our everyday world...

there are days when this task seems overwhelming, especially in light of the difficulties faced by our friends and partners around the world. yet in the midst of the discouragement come stories of amazing victories and humble service to our King, and it seems like this mission just might work! together we really can see God's kingdom brought to bear on a world that so desperately needs grace and hope. i never cease to be amazed that God has chosen to allow us to be His hands and feet in this world to proclaim the good news to the corners of this globe.

i want to leave you with an old franciscan benediction which i have shared here in the past but i love the message of this prayer...

"may God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. may God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace. may God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy. and may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done."

that all may hear!

j