Wills

I have two friends named Will. Other than names, they have little in common. 

I met the first Will when I was very young, and he’s been my companion ever since. He’s lots of fun to be around, sometimes. He points at stuff and says, “go for it,” even when to do so would be foolish or dangerous. Nothing holds this Will back. He lives in, and sees only, the present moment. He’s fun, but exhausting. We’ve had many wonderful times together, but we’ve also gotten into more trouble than I’d like to admit. 

The other Will came into my life later. He was much quieter than the other Will, but there’s a strange appeal to his calm. He never demands my attention, and he’s content to wait for when, or if, I turn in his direction. He suggests crazy things, too, but unlike the other Will this one’s suggestions are never about getting, only giving. When I go along, I never regret it, nor get in trouble. Quite the opposite. He has the uncanny ability to lead me to places I don’t see. At first, I’m usually reluctant to follow and the other Will always stands off to the side waving his hands trying to get my attention, but looking back, I can see I’m better for it whenever I follow this Will.

There are those who say I should choose between the two, but I’m not sure I’m capable of that. Life would be less confusing, but I fear both are here to stay. Instead, I’m going to try and listen to them both, equally. That, I’m embarrassed to say, would be an improvement.

“Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God’s will.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer