hmmm…..
The engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton is all over the news today. The beautiful sapphire ring is on display and everyone is talking about the wedding to come. But my thoughts reach back to Princess Diana. In all the joy and jubilation taking place, it must be a bittersweet experience for Prince William and his family. How hard it must be to feel the excitement of starting a new life with one woman you love; but at the same time feeing regret and sadness that the first woman you ever loved cannot be a part of the celebration.
Ambivalence means the presence of two opposing ideas, attitudes, or emotions at the same time. Ambivalence is natural; it doesn’t mean we’re crazy. I remember that feeling when I bought my last car – excited that I would have a safe, spiffy new vehicle to drive but terrified to take on the higher car payments. It can be a strange place to be. I feel that way sometimes, too, when I read the Bible. Jesus tells us to feed the hungry, heal the sick and shelter the homeless and that feels noble and good, but it also feels overwhelming in its ramifications for my life.
Life gives us ambivalence. But our challenge is to live with all of the conflicting feelings and thoughts; to organize the chaos -- and in that effort to find peace. May you find peace amidst the ambivalence of your day today.
hmmm…..
Yes, there is so little that is truly "black and white." Almost everything is "shades of gray" once a person moves beyond basic instinct! But the good news is that Jesus and the Holy Spirit do shed light on the foggy shades of gray, to illuminate the pathway! Amen, Nancy.
ReplyDeleteHey, Clay!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments -- I always enjoy what you have to say --
hmmm ..... maybe my next blog should be on light!