The chasm

Life moves in familiar patterns for us most of the time. Sometimes we are given a glimpse into the depths of what divides us. We watch our politicians posture and challenge and we usually believe our side is right so it doesn’t seem so frightening to observe the divide with people around us.

I have been dealing for years with a relationship that I have come to see recently with razor clarity that we are universes apart. This is not a misunderstanding. This is a complete breakdown of thought and language. I have come to see that there are no words or concepts to bridge this gap, that our divide is profound. And it is terrifying to see the depth of the chasm.

Acknowledging this gulf demands commitments from me. I have to commit to accepting the divide, I have to commit to moving on, and I have to commit to walking with a sense of honesty that my reality may not be the correct one.

Most of the time I can look at others and believe that everyone sees the same thing I see. Every once and a while, if we are looking and we are honest about what we see, we are given the opportunity to look into the blackness of the chasm so great that it splits us apart and clutches us at a distance. The more we look into and acknowledge that profound abyss, the scarier it can be.

Thank God for His merciful love and wild unfairness. He sees the gulf that disconnects us from Him as well and sends His love to us across that chasm. Kindhearted Father, help me to love others from my side of the chasm like you love me!