Some aspire to greatness, some have greatness thrust upon them, and some chase greatness down a dirt path to nowhere. Everyone does not have the same opportunities in life. I’m just sayin’. Many have followed dreams to heartbreaking ends, and it is incomprehensible to the human mind why a modicum of what they wished for eluded their grasp. On the other hand, some have achieved (seemingly) many of their longings with less effort and zeal in the attempts.

Greatness is a fine thing if you’ve got it, and it does give a big stick and a bully-pulpit from which to expound your wisdom, but it is not the only thing. Achievement is not the only method by which we gauge success, and some things are not really all that great when we pay attention to the man behind the curtain. Just as there may be more than one reason for failure, there may be multiple reasons for success. For some, the planets align beyond their control while the fates conspire against others.

Many things are left to our bemusement. I have been taught (and teach) that God is working an eternal plan for His own glory and our good which lies beyond human comprehension. Though I believe, I’d still like a “one up” on a lot of things. It’s hard to develop a system of thought when you don’t know what to think. My dilemma is the same as that of most people I know, but it is also age-old. Our betters from days gone by puzzled, as well.

Every Old Covenant prophet, priest and king wondered at the inequities in life. The list includes those who worshiped false gods and those who earnestly sought the true. Even the disciples of Jesus had trouble getting their heads around why things fall out like they do. When Jesus was questioned about the future, He often responded with seeming non-answers- if you judge true answers as those giving any type of useful information. Some things are not meant for us to know.

God’s eternal plan is just that- God’s. Each of us has a part to play in that plan, but the rules of the game are not under our control. It takes faith for us to be saved, and it takes faith for us to live lives pleasing to God. We have to be satisfied to walk under His direction, do our best with what we have and trust Him with the rest. The roles we perform in this life are not totally chosen by us. Each has imposed limitations accompanying opportunities.

Perhaps, there is no satisfactory answer for inquiring minds regarding inequities. We play the hands we are dealt, the ball where it lies, and, well, you get the idea. And we are not to give up in despair over degree of difficulty. The path of God’s will is already laid at our feet if we will recognize it. I may not want or respect my gifts, but they are mine. Ditto opportunities.

A life can be built with worn-out tools. At question is my effort, the rest is in God’s hands.

Sterl