The Primal, Eternal Desire

The primal, eternal desire we all share.

That our best may become better.

Over all these virtues, put on love.

In the opening of Addiction and Grace, Dr. Gerald May makes a humble statement that immediately resonated. “In reading this text, you should keep in mind that although I consider myself a reasonably careful scientist, I am neither a trained theologian nor a scriptural scholar. This book is full of my own theological assumptions which, although honestly and accurately reflecting my experience, are only partially systemized or externally justified. I ask you, then, not to read my words as authority, but to let them resonate where and how they will, with your own experience and sense of truth.” Later, he continues, “Let us pray that our communal efforts will contribute to that primal, eternal desire that we all share with God: perfect freedom and love for all humankind.”

I appreciate his honesty and humility, because I feel the same way. Though much of my writing references my spiritual tradition and experience, I don’t claim to be a theologian or scholar, but I do have this thing that calls to my heart. I have my faith tradition, scripture, and experience of living this life of asking, seeking, knocking, and wrestling with life’s questions. I am not so bold as to assume I have the answers, but I have trust, hope, love, and peace that surpasses my understanding. And that is all I can hope to share. I’m where I am now, doing the best I can, trusting that my best will become better along the way. I am doing my best to be patient with myself and with others as we all contribute our experiences and understanding of truth and walk forward into this great mystery of life together.

Trust that I am doing my best. I’ll trust that you are as well. And may we all remember that we are all children of God. In Colossians 3, we are told, “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Today, may we put on love which binds in unity. May we do our best. May we share in humility.