Job 29:18-20: The Phoenix
Thursday, March 30, 2017
We have looked at Job frequently during our Noontimes, and this is good . . . because this book holds so much wisdom. Today we reflect on the opportunity we have each day to rise like a mythical phoenix from the ashes of yesterday.
During this time when we anticipate the celebration of Resurrection, New Hope, and New Life, it is also a time to celebrate the quality of mercy which creates new life from old. We learn so much more deeply when we are strained to a limit. We remember the lesson so much better when we have felt the panic of knowing that we have skated too close to the edge of the ice. We know, feel and can give compassion with so much more integrity when we have received it from someone. When we have been at the end of a rope or at the bottom of a pit and we have received a healing and helping hand. This is when our character is forged. This is how we draw close to who we can be. This is how we become genuine.
The goal of suffering well is to allow the conversion of our pain to a healing, compassionate response, and to offer this new-found empathy to those who follow. We become the experienced ear, the honest voice, the curing hand. And when we think about it, we realize that this is the only way that suffering can make any sense.
So today and all days, let us remember that each morning we are given an awesome gift as we open our eyes and rise to greet the new day. We are given again the opportunity to rise from our own ashes.
A Favorite from March 31, 2008.
The Noontimes 