“IF”
“If then”, then that–guaranteed.
“If only”, unchangeable.
Much time ruing “if only”.
“If only” is the response to regret or remorse.
Too much time spent on “if only”.
“If only” doesn’t have to be wasted.
“If only” doesn’t have to be fruitless.
Experience had is experience gained.
Maybe dire consequences.
But, newness is promised.
Hard to comprehend, but “if only” can be a fresh start every time.
I John 1:9.
Not to embrace forgiveness and cleansing is to disbelieve God.
Or, to hold to higher standards than God’s.
Forgiveness.
Restoration.
Cleansing.
From ALL unrighteousness.
God. Unfathomable.
God. Merciful and gracious.
Over and over again.
Help me to embrace but not to abuse.
Jesus stated: If you love Me, then you will keep my commandments.
Jesus stated: My commandments are not burdensome.
If love, then obedience.
If no love “If then” is haunting.
“If only”. “If then”.
Both have value.
“If only” is redeemable because of love.
Richard L. Brewer
08/29/2018
Rue: bitterly regret.
Published by sparedbygrace@yahoo.com
I am Richard Brewer—a Christ-follower, psychologist, husband, father, grandfather (Papa) sometimes writer, and lifelong student of people.
For much of my professional life, I've had the privilege of sitting with people as they wrestle with some of life's most difficult questions—questions about faith, suffering, grief, relationships, identity, failure, hope, and what it means to live well.
Those conversations have changed the way I see people and the way I understand my own faith. They have taught me that life is rarely as simple as our explanations of it, that people are almost always more complicated than they appear, and that sometimes the wisest response to a difficult question is to empathize and to keep asking better questions.
I am a committed Christ-follower, but I am not interested in pretending that Christianity eliminates mystery or that faith means having an answer for everything. Faith invites us to pursue truth honestly, to think deeply, to acknowledge what we do not know, and ultimately to trust the God we do know.
Mediocre Meanderings is where I explore some of those questions.
I write about faith and psychology, grief and suffering, leadership and relationships, aging and ordinary life—and occasionally whatever else catches my attention along the way.
I do not write from the perspective of someone who has figured life out. I write as someone who has lived enough of it to know that I have not.
These are my thoughts, questions, observations, and occasional attempts at wisdom. Take what is useful. Challenge what is not. And, if you would like, meander along with me.
View all posts by sparedbygrace@yahoo.com