Collisions

Tuesday in the Third Week of Lent

So that they might put their trust in God,
and not forget the deeds of God,
but keep his commandments;
And not be like their forebears,
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation whose heart was not steadfast,
and whose spirit was not faithful to God.
Psalm 78:7-8

The loud noise is almost as unsettling as the jolt as our car is rear-ended at a stop sign. We are able to pull over safely, and even as I get out of the passenger seat to assess the situation, I believe it will only be a fender-bender. And I am right.

The other driver is extremely kind and apologetic, worried only that we are OK, which we are. We both look at our cars, and at one another, and decide we can walk away from this. It is such a small thing given all else we are all dealing with. And I can live with the dent.

I think in the days ahead we may collide with each other without meaning to. I think we may get one or two dents along the way. And I believe exercising kindness and compassion with these smaller hurts will fortify us to meet the larger challenges ahead.

Now is not the time to be stubborn and rebellious. Now is the time to seek God in our midst. To welcome sacred compassion when it is offered. To recognize opportunities to practice goodness, so we add to the goodness in the world. God knows we will need it.


Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay