Personally, the one line in this passage and indeed in the entire letter, that resonates most for me is this:
Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, commits sin.
-- James 4:13-17 (NRSV)
I have mentioned fear before.
When I do a survey of my sins or my failures my weaknesses my challenges: I do not see the bad things that I do. I see the good things I left undone.
I see a woman rushing for the bus from the my seat warm inside and say nothing to the bus driver. I do not put the laundry on or do the dishes piling in the sink. I forget to tell my wife I love her. I vote with my ballot but not my wallet nor with my volunteer labour. I do not express my feelings, thoughts, hopes, needs, and then, I resent others for not living up to my expectations.
I do not create. I dabble. I dream of writing that great book, that amazing article, a poem, a short story. I write it but do not send it out. Or start it without finishing.
I will be remembered --
if at all -- not as lost
Violent souls, but only as the hollow men
-- T.S. Elliot
But with God all things are possible. I need only stop reserving the right to say, No Thank-you, when I call of Christ's Spirit for guidance and direction.
2 comments:
Confession is good for the soul, old buddy, and your soul is in great shape.
Ogden Nash said ..."It is the sin of omission, the second kind of sin, That lays eggs under your skin."
You aren't alone. I tell myself it's never too late to change (like St. Augustine) and that Jesus might be the one person who won't lose his patience with me.
Post a Comment