A great many things in life are beyond personal control.  As much as we may believe in freedom of the will and self-determination, even the loosey-goosey must admit that much is chosen for us without representation.  None of us selected our gender, race or place of birth. These, among other things, play into social standing and opportunity. Occasionally, someone will jump the curb or encounter fortuitous events not offered to all, but that is the exception.  As with other things, the exception proves the rule, and most plod through the more normal courses before them. Conversely, the fates seem to conspire against others. Every turn is fraught with opposition, and even their best is not good enough.

Fortune is fickle.  It often seems that those deserving of breaks are the broken.  Opportunity is squandered by others and wasted on many who should be operating a spotlight- not in one.  Why is it that some receive good and others evil? Scripture plainly tells us that all have sinned, but aren’t some less undeserving than others?  Multitudes struggle with these ideas. Great discouragement is the result, often followed by bitterness. To make matters worse, the answers to the conundrum are often unsatisfying- if by satisfaction we mean contentment.  So it is we are left with knowledge and its icy embrace. At least, we can try and come to grips with why things are the way they are.

We should understand that noble callings in life are not limited to those receiving press releases.  Sometimes, one follows the other, but that is not the general rule. More often, sensationalism rules the day regardless of intrinsic value.  Praiseworthy deeds don’t make good press as counted by sales, and unsung artisans are truer to their craft. Attention, like power, tends to corrupt, and anonymity may be underappreciated.

These thoughts in mind, those feeling the sting of obscurity ought not feel unimportant.  Their capabilities are not lesser than well-known figures because they are unheralded. Time and chance.  The wisest man who ever lived admitted that we can’t control all eventualities.

Whatever may be said, life is more than kismet.  Understanding we must play the hand we are dealt may take getting used to, and realization that virtuous life and work are valuable may give only minimal rewards, but into the frustration, we must factor the hand of God.  Ultimately, He is the one in control.

The Bible encourages us to realize that whatever we are doing is actually service to God.  If we can get our heads around that concept, it will help us understand our viability. I have a position as His child and His charge.  I am not more or less valuable than His other servants and am at His disposal. Whatever I find to do, I should do to my ability because it is of eternal import.    There is a plan encompassing each part and the whole.

God asked Moses what he held in his hand.  The same question comes to you and me in one form or another.  What is before us, and what can we do? What gifts has God given and what bounds did he determine for us as surely as He did the sea?  It may be, if these are exhausted, that others will open. Whatever the case, we are to take advantage of our opportunities.  

Fulfillment is essentially a spiritual thing.  Nothing will satisfy apart from a sense of calling to the kingdom cause, but there is no sense of belonging without industry.  Such is not a works religion- it is a working religion. God wants me to do my best.

If I get my act together, on whatever stage, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.

Sterl