Verse of the Day for October 21

It is worth remembering who wrote the words our light affliction. Paul had been beaten, stoned, shipwrecked and left hungry. He was not a comfortable man calling other people's suffering light.

He calls it light only when it is weighed against something else: a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Light and weight. Moment and eternal. He is holding the two on a scale. The affliction is real. It simply does not outweigh what is on the other side.

That is what keeps this from being escapism. Paul has both feet on the ground. He does not deny the pain. He measures it.

Then he tells us how he does it. While we look not at the things which are seen. The word while matters. The affliction feels light only while his eyes are lifted. When he stares only at the trouble, it is as heavy as anyone's. Looking up is something you do again and again, not once.

So in the queue at the pharmacy, or on the long walk home after hard news, the invitation is not to pretend. Look at what is seen and admit it honestly. Then lift your eyes to what is not seen, which lasts longer than this and is heavier with good.

Honest grief and eternal hope can stand on the same ground.

Where your eyes rest will change how heavy the day feels.