Contemplating our personal and collective histories, we feel wearied and stained, but in some paradoxical sense, it is yet early in eternity, and all the freshness, the delicacy of the morning dew is upon us, all morning (not mourning!) glories are freely given: "Now hope does not disappoint us, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Rom. 5:5). In this context, the Abba's deathbed statement "I have not yet begun to repent" seems full not of despair but of anticipation and hope, as if spoken on the brink of a refreshing pool of water. "Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our bodies are wearing away, we are inwardly renewed every day" (2 Cor. 4:16).
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