Man, in his weakness and shortsightedness makes choices in this life.<P>He sometimes trembles at the risks he takes, the choices he makes in fear.<P>But... in the end... as we anguish in the fruit of choices made in that weakness and<BR>shortsightedness...there comes a time when our eyes are opened and we come to realize<BR>that God’s mercy is infinite.<P>We need only await it with confidence...and receive it with gratitude.<P>Mercy imposes no conditions.<P>And lo! Everything we have chosen has been granted to us.<P>And everything...we rejected...has also been granted.<P>Yes, sometimes... we even get back what we rejected.<P>For... Mercy and Truth are met together,<P>and righteousness and peace shall kiss one another.<P> <BR>Paraphrase from “Babette’s Feast” (a movie)<P>

Perhaps it is the calling of God's work, man, to learn to overcome the desire to make choices which strain under the weight of the influences of weakness and shortsightedness. The fearful battles we fight on a daily basis, be they large or small (eye of the beholder) are certainly reduced to workable confrontations as soon as we learn to attempt to emulate our Maker's ways when making our choices. Ultimately man will be held accountable for every choice made and it is of extreme comfort to know that when we do fail and fall short, His merciful hand will always be there to help us up, dust us off and, in loving confidence, send us back into battle. Some truths will require His infinite mercy and certainly righteousness and peace are not strange bedfellows.<P>Your message was a very enjoyable post <p>[This message has been edited by Noggin (edited November 21, 1999).]