I'm not perfect. Like so many others, I falter occasionally and give into my own selfish desires and casual laziness. I'm neither the nicest person nor the kindest, and I know it.That said, I feel that in general I'm a pretty good guy. Though imperfect, I do try my best to focus upon the right and do the good thing. Which is, I suppose, why reflecting on the fruit of the spirit known as "kindness" and "goodness" has for me been a curious thing.
You see, my problem has not so much been that I've been bad or unkind these past two days...but rather that my actions in this direction have stood out too little from my baseline behavior. As a Christian and a pastor, these traits are often a part of who I am and how I comport myself (however imperfectly). Trying to be "extra kind" feels a little like forcing the issue when there are no such opportunities.
Yet in the midst of all of this, I was able to reflect a little more today on goodness and kindness through a set of circumstances. You see, today I had decided to spend my time fasting (something I haven't done for a little while and felt that I should). This went alright until I ran into a friend from college who had just moved to Princeton.
Having forgotten to help them move in earlier in the day and wanting to welcome this friend to town, I considered offering to take them to dinner. Though aware of my previous commitment to not eat, I knew that the kind and good thing to do would be to forgo my fasting in favor of greeting an old friend.
So I made the decision.
As I was doing so, I was reminded of Jesus' teaching and call to remember the true life of faith...and wondering if through this experience He was reinforcing in me God's call to make sure nothing came in the way of "true religion" and a loving faith.
It will be something to think about as I turn my attention tomorrow to....faithfulness.
"For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6
2 comments:
Hello, former President Ziefle. I once had a pal who'd insist on taking me out to dinner as soon as he heard I was fasting. He said it was a test of commitment. He'd sit there and eat a huge steak dinner while I casually sipped my water, refusing to give in to temptation. I think that today I'd likely do what you did and stall the fast in the name of hospitality. Perhaps once this semester settles down a bit (my weekends are tied up from now until late October) I'll host some kind of get-together up here in my Madison apartment (of which your pressence shall be demanded).
Here, Here, good sir!
I look forward to it!!!
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