Daily Reflections - June 25,2013

WATERING HOLES AND NARROW GATES

 

The story of Abram and Lot is a familiar one — a story of conflict and choice. It probably revolved around precious water sources, and the resolution required that both agree to disagree and choose which part each wanted for himself. Lot’s choice fell on what I, honestly, would have also chosen myself! Who would not want well-manicured lawns and well-watered gardens to pamper oneself with?

       The nobler one was left with the inferior portion of the property. One man’s choice meant the narrowing down of options for the other, and Abram probably felt that what loomed ahead of him was nothing more than a narrow gate that led to no abundant watering holes.

       But life is not only about choosing and deciding for oneself, no matter how seemingly brilliant and rewarding it may be. Life is also about opening oneself to being surprised by God, to allowing oneself to be led, and letting someone else’s plan unfold. Lot may have gained the better part, but Abram received the greater portion. God’s call for Abram to become the father of a multitude of nations unfolded and attained fulfillment, despite the seeming loss, the apparent defeat, and what seemed to have been the shorter end of the stick.

       While I know very well that, in life, “you win some; you lose some,” there were times when I thought that I was getting the shorter end  of the stick once too often, and cheaters actually win more games. And, in the rough and tumble world of reality, corrupt politicians seem to continue laughing their way to the bank. Good boys finish last, and all I saw before me was a narrow gate that seemed to lead nowhere.

       Lot may have called the shots, but he does not get to write the final chapter. Good boys finish last, but they are never lost. “Enter through the narrow gate. How few there are who find it.” Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: How open are you to surprises from the Lord? Do you allow yourself to be led by the Lord? How do you react when someone else’s plans get fulfilled?

 

Surprise me, Lord, and lead me to Your plans for my life.