Jolting Grace

Today while walking, I was just sulking. Ugh, it's early....ugh, why am I here...ugh, why am I feeling like this, God? While looking ahead, an orange-robed monk was walking toward me on the same side of the road. Oh, it's 6:30am, the monks are out for their alms walking. Passing a road on the right, a older woman was kneeling, holding up her offerings for the monk who would reach her soon, pleading under her breath toward her god. She feels like me today. Why were we given this life? What are we to do with it? Who are we? Kneeling and pleading for relief.

The monk ahead had turned, and stood over another neighbor. Chanting in the Pali language, this young man bestowed on her blessings in exchange for her offerings. She kneeled before him with hopes of these blessings.

My heart breaks. I should see this every morning. The reminder of our inability to be God ourselves. The inability to make ourselves better. God jolted me with the reminder of how He came to us. He sent His son to die for us. For those ladies on their knees, for that monk, and for me. Forgive me for my complaining. Thank you, God, for your gift. Please help me to share it with everyone around me here.