Lent and the Myth of Insulation
the
whole of mankind is a raging tempest
nowhere on the planet appears unscathed
global
conflicts, rampant lawlessness, moral decay
religious decline, religious persecution,
the continued slaughter of the innocent
societal
fragmentation, economic uncertainty
abounding misinformation, chronic
helplessness
human
trafficking, sexual and gender confusion
homelessness, addictions of every kind,
despair
incivility,
fury, fractured homes, anxiety, madness
the exponential ramping up, simply mind
crushing
but
here i sit by my fire, in my cozy house
on a grey, cold, windy, rainy winter day
insulated from it all
all
the creature comforts one could dream of
a precious, loving companion by my side
a pleasant neighborhood with every amenity
nearby
a comfortable church in a lovely part of town
dinner
with friends, life in safe community
waiting for warmer, golf weather
i
live in a world insulated
from so much torment, hardship, suffering
the
awareness of such creates a deep perception
of a surreal and yet uncertain existence
what
is the purpose of the Divine life in me
for such a time as this
one
does not retire from serving one’s King
but where is the place of engagement
i
confess to wanting to play it safe
but our King isn’t safe but truly good and
kind
kind
and true, that’s the key,
to existence, engagement, playing my part
i cannot be one without the other
kindness
without truth
unhealthy, accommodating empathy
truth
without kindness
a cold, harsh spirit of judgment and legalism
all
of us tend to lean towards one or the other
only His Spirit can produce both in my life
so
as i sit by “my laughing fire” i choose an exchange
laying down insulation, while embracing His
peace
i
surrender afresh all that i have, all that i am
giving all away for the glory of the King
Whose return one day, will make all things
right
until
that day - accepting His assignment
i desire to guard my heart from insulation
meeting
(no, looking for) the broken and the needy
in the course of my daily journey
from
dust i have come and to dust shall i return
but until i return there or He returns here
may
i ever be willing to get down into
the dirt, the grime, the pain, the dust of
this world
daring
to be true and kind, shining in the darkness
always acknowledging that our lives are in
His hands
“in
the world you shall have tribulation,
but be of good cheer for I have overcome
the world.”
- - mark
d. cooke, 2-19-26
