Friday, December 12, 2003
Friday, December 12, 2003
Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you
are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the
Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that."
(James 4.14-15
NRSV)
Emory, though, maintained that he had just come out of the library, that his arms were loaded with books, that he threw nothing, and that he had merely stopped for a few moments to watch the demonstration.
The court's conviction of Emory cost him his college scholarship, ended his research job with the Navy, and finished his plans for a career in physics. While he did not have to serve jail time, the conviction was a major blow to Emory's life. For years he remained angry over the incident and kept expecting things to be set straight. Finally, after about 5 years, he realized that he needed to get on with his life.
Now 20 years later an unpublished newspaper photograph has been found that shows police dragging Emory off, both his arms loaded down with books. A superior court judge has ruled that Emory is entitled to a new trial, and the district attorney's office has declined to prosecute again. Hence, Emory is now free of the original charge. Further, Emory, a professional welder, has been offered a full scholarship in physics at Northeastern University if he would like to resume his studies. Emory says he is simply pleased and relieved to have the matter brought to a close.
There is no guarantee that justice in this life will be either fair or speedy. Some things will be set straight quickly, others will wait 20 years, and still others will await God's final judgment. Sometimes all we can do is wait. Sometimes all we can do is pray.
Lord Jesus, may I make the best of life God has given to me and never take it granted. Amen.
