I hesitate to put it this way, but I think the truth is I take pride in choosing to do “the right thing” most of the time. There I’ve already set myself up for a fall (Prov 16:18,) but I’ve been asking myself a question lately that cuts to the heart of the matter. Why? First of all, my life would have taken an entirely different path if I really had always chosen the right thing. I thank God that he is redeeming even my mistakes, but the fact remains. I can be rather adamant about doing “the right thing.” If I think I know what it is, I won’t easily compromise. I wish I could put that more strongly but honesty compels me to recognize that there are times when I have compromised. Why is it that I am usually so determined? Is it love for God? Is it fear of punishment? Is it driven by a need to see myself as worthy? Is it pure pragmatism, having seen the misery that lies at the end of all other paths? This season has forced me to take a hard look at who I am, and I don’t like what I see. I find myself wondering what others see, and how many of you I owe abject apologies for my lack of compassion and understanding. Yet I cannot say that I have changed. I know that it is not possible without the work of the Holy Spirit within me. I know that this is part of the process. Please forgive me. Maybe someday I’ll learn what the right thing really is.