Drenched

DRENCHED

Theology in the Trenches

By Kathleen Kjolhaug

 

 

Believing the best in others and being naïve, comparatively speaking, have common threads.  At least that’s what I tell myself.  Wanting to believe the best in others, giving trust over when past precedence has shown no reason to give it, makes one look naïve.

Some do respond to the trust given…while others appear to grab and go making no changes in performance.  They take the trust and run in the opposite direction, breaking trust once again.  Some appreciate the second chance; warnings if you will, given in order to head off difficulty, while others do not give heed to signs of storms coming.

It behooves that while some respond to the alarm sounded, there is no shelter taken by others.  In fact, it appears at times, that there are those who actually love dancing in the midst of storms. The rain can be deceitfully refreshing as the clouds add to the mystique. While the thunder rolls, the dance begins.  The experience entertains the senses and as others join in, it only adds to the excitement.  The warning bells can no longer be heard because drumbeats call.  Soon, the drumbeats become heart beats and all pulsate as one.

Drenched from the storm…into the night they dance.  Darkness calls and all appears well.  Never mind lighting struck…only one went down and that’s because they were standing too near to the tree.  What are the chances?  Odds are good that it will never happen to “me”…and the mindless majority beckons because the herd mentality just feels right…carefree.

But then, dawn breaks…and all is exposed.  Each one dripping before the other departs for cover. Who knew?  Who knew that once the clouds parted, the sin laden night would no longer look so charming?  Some dash for cover while others fall where they are…stuck as the mud dries around them knowing their only hope is to wait for the next storm to loosen their grip.

Still others cry out and their tears begin to wash as He washes anew.  Cleansed, they look down only to see His righteousness covering as they repent of their folly.  And as the night clouds roll in once again, feet hit the pavement…some old…some new join in the dance which is about to begin.  Those forgiven sound the alarm.  Some listen and back away.  Others sneer thinking they know better and move towards the forbidden…and as the cycle begins again…He awaits…for He knows our needs before we even ask (Matt. 6:8).

I choose to trust...because “It is while we were yet sinners that Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

And…as The Way of the Cross reminds us … “We adore thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee…because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.” Amen.