A Stern Choice

The spiritual life is a stern choice. It is not a consoling retreat from the difficulties of existence, but an invitation to enter fully into that difficult existence, and there apply the Charity of God, and bear the cost. 
~ Evelyn Underhill


I am finally beginning to have a better understanding of this promise. I’ve given mouth service to it for years; I have had the words of this comforting hymn framed and hung in my home. And I can sing-song through it with ease.

God has not promised skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways all our lives through.
God has not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God has promised strength for the
Day, rest from the labor, light for the way;
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

But this isn’t an easy promise or an easy way to live, as Evelyn Underhill tells us.  It is a stern choice.  However it is a real promise; one to count on. And I am finally beginning to know that.

Listen here.

~~~