all that matter is that you are willing

I recall a story once told by the Rev. Billy Graham about willingness to do the right thing. It impressed me. It impressed me so much that I see slivers of it in my attitudes, so if he ever needs evidence of a subtle effect in a man's life, he need look no further than here.

The story is of a feudal lord who is dying. Fearful of death he summons his jester, his fool (did you know the word "fool" is specifically forbidden in the Bible as a derogatory name to call someone? Look it up...), as he knows this man is a Christian and knows what must be done to save his own soul.

The jester, knowing his master is a proud man, given to concerns for appearances, tells him that, in order to achieve eternal life he must go down to the pig sty and roll about in the mud while calling out the Lord's name.

The master sends his jester away, unwilling to do such a thing.

Three days later the master summons his jester and asks for his help. He wants his help in going down to the pig sty, as he is ready now to do this.

The jester declines, reassuring him "All that matter is that are were willing."

So often we are not in the right place at the right time, but we have the willingness to do what is necessary. Sometimes even appearing to others as having done the wrong thing, or at least something trivial or ridiculous.

But what really matters is in your heart.

You know, despite semantic games, you aren't born with a soul. As you achieve sentience, awareness, you come in contact with the Almighty and in this you are given the opportunity to show your willingness to do what is right. And, when the flesh fails and your body passes, God will continue your awareness, your consciousness, as I believe it to be. I don't condemn others for seeing the world, the universe, the nature of the soul and of God differently, but I know what I believe, what I know.

As you were willing to do what was asked of you. Not what was pragmatic, or expedient, or politically or socially correct. "God judges hearts, not your applause" I wrote, decades ago.

Don't pray for money or power or even eternal life. Pray for knowledge of the path you should walk and the strength to walk it.