The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

A seldom visited but sturdy hymn, “Jesus, the Light of the World,” has as part of its refrain a reference to dewdrops of mercy that ‘shine all around us by day and by night.’ The mercy within those drops is nothing to trifle with, for even the smallest of drops can result in something good beyond imagination if we choose to embrace it. It is inescapably tied to forgiveness, the very essence of Christian faith for many. Coupled with compassion, the power of that small life-giving jewel of moisture is undeniable.

Dewdrops are metaphors richly symbolizing abundant life, fresh starts, and second chances. They are especially apropos in this season of drought that so clearly reminds us of both the necessity and the miracle of water. Early morning waterings to thwart the stifling summer heat result in dewdrops clinging to flowers of all kinds, reluctant to leave without a fight. The variety of effects is broad, but all point toward compassion and relief, particularly when it is in our control. Consider ourselves the original influencers.

Those who experience mercy and compassion first-hand forever remember the experience … how it transpired, how it felt, and how their awareness was elevated in respect to the adjacent world. To look up as we work through the nuances of life is to regard others in a new way. Jesus didn’t pussyfoot around in reminding his disciples to pay attention to mercy and compassion springing from hardship. It’s the real deal, an opportunity to open the door to a new way of living and loving that transcends our abilities to go it alone.

Fine, we say, that’s all very nice and poetic sounding, but that is not how society functions. Getting up each day can be tough when the world seemingly lies in wait to do us wrong. That is precisely when mercy and compassion are most needed, most helpful, and most real. Coming face-to-face with forgiveness can leave us humbled and vulnerable, a state that is consistently and persistently life altering. Simple truths embodied by sparkling dewdrops of mercy move us to new places, places of liminality characterized by divine intervention that demands little in return but to look after one another to the best of our abilities.

Each day, each moment, is an opportunity to expand the boundaries of our best self, to cross new thresholds that challenge but also that teach. Once mercy is experienced first-hand, there is no turning back, no wondering whether it is real, no uncertainty in the outcome. Germany Kent offers, “Be kind. We never know what people are going through. Give grace and mercy because one day your circumstance could change and you may need it.”

In the meantime, walk the early morning gardens in the presence of mercy. You might even discover it in a dewdrop or two.