Even choosing what is right is a gift

It's strange how souls living hundreds of miles apart can often be found meditating on the same ideas. This morning on the drive to work, as I prayed and talked to the Lord about the new day, it came to me that all the good things I've tried to do, all the good words I've said or written for the benefit of others, even all the good thoughts I've had, these have all been just my reaching up, straining as hard as I could, to touch the only Good, so as to give meaning and purpose to my life. But when all is said and done, the "real me" only wants to find myself in the position described in Psalm 131,

"Lord, my heart has no lofty ambition,
my eyes do not look too high.
I am not concerned with great affairs
or marvels beyond my scope.
Enough for me to keep my soul tranquil
and quiet as a child that has been weaned.
Israel rely on the Lord,
now and for always!"

It is the Lord who is the source of our search for the Good, the One who grants us the energy to do whatever it takes to get there, and finally, He is the Good Himself. So, that's what was in my mind and heart as I drove to work this morning. Then, a moment ago I checked my personal email and found this quote from my friend in Alaska, Presbytera Candace. Her choice of quote matched my morning thoughts closely…

I agree that people have certain capabilities—one person has more, another less. But these capabilities alone can’t perfect them… Some people are proud of their successes. They attribute everything to themselves and nothing to the One who made them, gave them wisdom and supplied them with good things. Such people need to learn that even in wishing well to someone, they need God’s help. Even choosing what is right is a gift of God’s mercy. For it is necessary both that we should master ourselves and that God should save us.

— Gregory of Nyssa