However, if I could persuade one confused soul to
turn to God, I will not only “save his soul from death, [but] shall cover a
multitude of [my] sins” as well. James 5:20.
I wish I knew exactly how I could go about doing
that. Yes, I know I should live the Gospel and not preach it. I know that if I
change my heart and live accordingly, others will see it. I know all that. Yet,
I wish my small life would be enough. I fail far more than I succeed.
Then, I recall a few kind acts that made a big
impact on the lives of the recipients. They seemed small to me and I was surprised
at the impact they had. I wish I could do more.
I wish for a closer union with God. I wish he were
the center of all my thoughts and actions. I wish it wasn’t a struggle to go to
church. I wish I had tons of money to add to the collection. I wish I felt like
volunteering more. I wish I could simply make more of a difference.
I can wish all I want, and nothing will change. Only
through practice and prayer will I tighten my relationship with God. It might
not make much difference in the lives of others, but it would definitely change
mine. That would be a start, a beginning. Who knows where it might lead?
A meditation in, Good Morning Lord, by Joseph T. Sullivan reminded me I am not too
old to pursue my dreams and share my talents. I will have to make the necessary
effort to hone my skills through study and practice. Even so, I may not become
the next Rembrandt, Hemingway, or Steinbeck, but my small efforts can help
color the world with beauty. Maybe even add a touch of magic, an opening for
the divine to plant a seed, to change a heart, and maybe even change a life.
That I can definitely wish for.
