Read Genesis 16:1-6

“She looked with contempt on her mistress” (Genesis 16:4).

When I cleaned out my office, I looked with fear, and maybe a little contempt, at the cupboard doors hiding 14 years of accumulated documents, files and resources. As long as those doors had remained closed, I didn’t need to think about what remained stored deep in those cabinets.

The work of uncovering what was hidden was both difficult and emotional. The papers I sorted and recycled brought back memories of the events and people from my past. The good times and bad times surfaced in the act of exposing what was hidden for so long. The work of healing came by way of letting out what had been long forgotten.

The bible reveals characters who are far from virtuous in their dealings with one another. Sarai looks with contempt on Hagar. Abram does not stop Sarai’s harsh treatment of Hagar. The bible does not paint a rosy picture of its heroes. We cannot excuse the poor behaviour of these historical giants of faith.

We often witness the gritty and messy realities in relationships. Yet, grace is always present even in the midst of our failures and mistakes. In the shadow lies the doorway to our healing. The messiness is not a sign of failure, but an invitation to grow.

Thank you, Jesus, for waiting in the shadow to meet us there with love, grace and forgiveness. Amen.