It’s A Bit Tricky…

Our friend Jill sometimes says, ‘It’s a bit tricky’, referring to family challenges, health problems, relational difficulties, tight time schedules… I identify with Jill’s words; life is often a bit tricky.

Each Sunday evening Rachel and I ‘do diaries’. In Rachel’s ‘Family Organiser’ all family events are written. My 49p diary records what I remember of what I think I’ve said that I’ll do. We go through the week a day at a time.

We know what we think will happen this week – what’s planned, what’s written down. We’re also aware that things may change, the unexpected will happen. ‘It’s a bit tricky’ will come this week.

I love Bible stories where a problem or challenge is resolved. Ruth’s a bereaved immigrant; Job experiences suffering and aloneness; the prodigal son brings on his own suffering through selfish recklessness. Life’s a bit tricky, but finally they all live happily ever after.

Yesterday morning at church David reminded us of those Bible stories that aren’t so straight forward. He preached on Annanias and Saphira, who sold some land, made a generous donation to the church, but instantly died because they had claimed they had given all of the proceeds. It’s not an easy story to understand or explain. It’s a bit tricky.

Johnny Nash sung, ‘There are more questions than answers. The more I find out, the less I know.’ I think he knew times when things were a bit tricky.

Some folks say that science has the answers; what isn’t known can be discovered by research, logic and reasoning. I’ve met Christians who believe that their faith helps them to find the answers to difficult questions. Life’s trickiness can be overcome.

I know that I don’t have all of the answers. Life’s a bit tricky, but that’s OK. Life is often about learning to live with trickiness. Perhaps if Jesus had met Jill he might have said, ‘Come to me all who find life a bit tricky, and I will give you rest.’