My Own Private Wars

We were challenged by Sunday's sermon series to review our relationship with our enemies, two of which I am now ready to expose. It's true. I'm at war! I've been having a two-front battle for several years and what makes the strategies so complex is that neither of the parties has a clue they are even my adversaries! One is our ice-maker and the second is a revered public institution - the public library. >:-(

The ice-maker is erratic and undependable. It flares during inopportune times like family gatherings refusing to dispense ice at all, only to counter attack with overflowing water the next day causing a stalactite to form in the ice bin. I probably get more violent with the ice-maker than anything else I own. It does not bring out the best in me.

What is my conflict with the library? They charged me for books that were turned in on-time (which I recall very well because that act was its own major conquest) but the books showed still outstanding in their database. I found the books on the shelf myself, only to be accused of bringing the books into the library at that moment, and charged $10 each for the occasion of doing their job! As often happens in my life, during those rare opportunities when I experience the upper hand in righteous indignation, it all crumbles. I was lured back to the library by the volumes of books and information, but this time, I was in fact guilty of not returning the books on time. I was really late. But I still had not let go of the resentment of being unfairly charged, so I never paid the fees. Now I'm stalemated in a quagmire of fines owed against fines wrongly charged. The results? I can't use the library. Some victory party!

Perhaps the greater victory will be, that upon having openly named these trivial, but ongoing distractions to peace, that I can begin to yield my private war to a stance of détente.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, We burrow in and defend so many battlefronts. We have perceived injustices, paralyzing pride, uncompromising attitudes, harsh reactions and preservation of grudges. Sadly, some must cope with genuine harm; please heal their bodies and their spirit. Mighty God, give us the desire to surrender our battles, our egotism, and our pain. Help us suppress hurtful words and refuse the weapon of spiteful silence; block actions of impulse and retard our feats of regret. Be with us for the realization that often our fiercest opponent can be seen in the mirror; steer us towards a more perfect reflection of your love. Amen.

For now we see through a glass, darkly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; but then shall I know,even as also I am known. And now abide faith,hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. - I Corinthians 13:12-13