Much Is Given

I’m not one to Bible thump.  Truth be told, I don’t know enough about the Bible to thump.  I mean, I did read the Bible in my old Methodist confirmation class.  But scripture doesn’t stick in my mind.  It isn’t nearly as catchy as Bob Dylan’s lyrics or Shel Silverstein’s poetry.  Maybe if it rhymed… 

Anyway.  

I was thinking a lot this week about one of the few bits of scripture that stuck with me.  It’s from Luke, and the basic gist of it is this: 

“To whom much is given, much is required.” 

That’s such an incredible concept.  You see, guilt has ruled my life.  The source of my guilt is the fact that I am a remarkably “lucky” person, and there are so many other people who aren’t.   I’ve stayed up countless nights, spinning questions in my mind, doubting the fairness of the universe.   

“Why do I have my health, while others do not?  Why am I spending tonight in a warm home, while others cannot?  Why have I found love, and my dearest friends have not?” 

After the bombings this week by ISIS, including Paris, it dawns on me that there is little sense in asking these questions.  Plain and simple: THE UNIVERSE IS NOT FAIR.   It is futile and useless to “feel bad” about anything.  

But there is something to do.  I have a house. I have a bank account.  I have an able body and a stable mind.  I. Am. Blessed. And that’s nothing to be ashamed of.  But it is something that I absolutely must use to make things better. 

“To whom much is given, much is required.” 

This week, I’ve worked harder than ever, and I’ve subsequently felt very little guilt. After the bombings in Europe, my husband and I researched ways to help refugees. After Friday’s monster snowstorm, we cleared our neighbors’ driveways and sidewalks. 

And after another good year in music, I’m working tonight on my fan list holiday gift.   I’m one lucky lady, and I’m going to keep on working until I drop. Thanks for reading my blog here every Sunday, Reader.   See you next Sunday. -Em the Grateful

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