MERCY FOR ALL

I've heard it said that we generally want justice for others, but...mercy for ourselves.

When I think about it, unless one has risen to a higher level of compassion and charity, that is probably how a lot of people feel or think. 

...Just think about it...

When you are driving down the road and someone f-l-i-e-s past doing at least 60 - 65 mph (in your best estimation) faster than you, don't you think - where are the police now?  But, should you get snared in that speed trap, don't you pray for another chance or for mercy?  I know I have.

When you hear about someone embezzling money from the local PTA and they get caught, don't you think it just awful that trust was placed with that person but then that trust was betrayed?  Doesn't she just deserve whatever she gets?  But, what about your own relative or friend who may have done something warranting time in prison?  We tend to keep them in our prayers and ask for safekeeping and perhaps even a shortened term.

And then there are those who got caught up in the housing market collapse and lost homes or fell behind on payments because they got into houses which really were more than they could afford.  And they applied for and were granted loans for which they really were not qualified.  Have you always paid all of your bills on time?  What about that one missed or late payment?  Didn't you hope that it wouldn't adversely affect your credit score?

What about that person whom you know is not qualified for that job but somehow ends up being your boss?  Or that person for whom it seems as if truly that job fell out of the sky right into her lap?  Haven't you ever applied for a position, against all odds, and prayed nevertheless that you would get it?  No different.  Why should your prayers work for you but not the prayers of others work for them?

Did you study sufficiently for EVERY test you took in school?  Betcha prayed though that you would pass every one!

How about that thing you did and no one down here saw you (or at least told on you)?

Instead of obsessing about others and their situations, and the reasons why or why not, let's try to be more forgiving and extend to others the mercy we would like to receive.

What you put out there will come back to ya.


Peace and Mercy