FACE UP TO REALITY. TAKE OFF THE MASK

Saturday, May 09, 2009

There is an old story about a man desperate for a job, who responds to a want ad at the zoo. The warden explains that their gorilla has died; they can't afford a new one, so they'll pay this man to dress up like one. He balks at first, but needing the money badly he finally agrees.

Each day he gets a little more enthusiastic in his cage. One day he swings on a vine so hard he ends up in the cage next door: the lion's cage. Feeling the lion's breath on his face he forgets his disguise and begins to scream for help. At which point the lion says, "Shut up, you idiot, or we'll both lose our jobs."

Wearing masks can become a way of life. Pretending to be happy when you carry a secret ache. Pretending to be spiritually healthy when there is a great distance between you and God. Pretending to have a perfect marriage when the truth is your relationship has a hollow chamber where its heart should be.

If you're going to receive help from the Lord of the second chance, you will have to acknowledge the truth about your condition.

(Adapted from John Ortberg's Love Beyond Reason)