Just My Opinion

I stopped by one of our landowners' homes last week to offer my condolences. The family matriarch had passed away the week before, only three months after her lifelong partner of 70 years departed. As endings go, this one was gratifying. 

Aforementioned, Dad and Mom had healthy, happy, and successful lives, leaving a legacy of grateful heirs and a precedent for what one could accomplish through hard work, prudent investment, and a confident vision.

Contrast that conclusion with Luke's version of the Passion, describing Christ's last forty-eight hours, to define the range of possible outcomes for our earthbound odyssey.

You may live long and prosper. Or you may live short and suffer brutal, undeserved, gut-wrenching anguish. 

Knowing people who have landed on the full spectrum of colors on the cosmic "Wheel of Fortune," I am left to conclude the benefit of misfortune is the perspective it provides for those of us who stumble through the minefield of life unscathed.  

Those denied a lengthy, enriching, bliss filled life are saints taking the proverbial Team bullet. And for the rest of us, the best explanation I can offer is, "There but for the grace of God, go I."   

With the Easter Holiday coming up next weekend, give credit to the omniscient consciousness dealing the cards. And humbly recognize the gifts endowing us are randomly awarded. 

Gratitude and generosity come naturally when you make this connection.

Just my opinion.  

Jim