Grace meets unbelief

Mark 16 : 9 - 15

I was at the weekend 'flea market' earlier today at Amcorp Mall. As I reflect over it this evening, I recall that as usual I was quite 'focused' about getting what I wanted - and did not really stop to enjoy the sight of many unusual things up for sale. The efficient self. I was there to get a throw rug I saw a few weeks ago when I was there for lunch. I didn't want to keep others waiting so could not decide then whether to buy it or not. Fortunately I remembered the location of the stall and found it at the same place. And they still had the throw rugs!

Maybe my efficiency and pragmatism works against me when it comes to matters of the heart. I was feeling quite disappointed in the morning about my younger son's irresponsibility. And I found it hard to allow myself to feel the feelings and just stay with them - without moving on to thoughts about how to handle the situation (like a good mother should - in a firm yet loving manner). It was therefore difficult to feel for long enough, for my heart to be open to hear the Lord's perspective rather than be filled with my own 'plans' about what to do. It would be quite the same in matters of faith too. The disciples had to be taken to task by Jesus for their "unbelief and hardness of heart". They were only aware of their own perception of things and could not see through eyes of faith when told about the resurrection. But here again grace meets their unbelief - despite being scolded by Jesus, they were entrusted with the most important commission of all time - to share the good news to all the world. Efficiency, pragmatism, unbelief and even hardness of heart - The Risen Christ meets us all with grace upon grace.