Continue in Excellence

So later today I fly to California to see my father and sister. As I pack and prepare, I have been watching the news to see what has been going on in the world. I feel that I am out of "the loop" while working at camp. One of the major events that has happened at the time of this writing is the collapse of the 35W bridge in Minneapolis, MN. It is covered non-stop on almost every news station. I suspect that this will happen for a few more days. Then it will stop and news anchors everywhere will only talk about it in passing as an anecdote. But for now, it is news. What shall we make of it?

No doubt there are countless tragedies that occur everyday throughout the world. But that does not diminish the grief that occurs over this event. Nor does it elevate this tragedy over and above any others. For there has occurred one great Injustice that far surpasses anything we have endured or will endure in this life.

I guess it's all about perspective. Yes, we grieve during tragedies like this. Yes, we show compassion to friends and strangers when they hurt. That is something I, myself, must work on. Far too often, I think, I struggle with not showing compassion to others during times of sorrow. So this is for me, too.

It's still about perspective. How do you view this? One of my favorite authors and pastor, John Piper, wrote an article 3 hours after the collapse of the bridge. He pastors a church within eyesight of the fallen bridge in Minneapolis. His article helps convey some of my thoughts on this tragic event. Here is the link for it http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/745_putting_my_daughter_to_bed_two_hours_after_the_bridge_collapsed/

When all is said and done, it's all about perspective. How do I see myself in this life? in relation to events? to others? to a holy and righteous God?

I wanted to send a friend a card wishing her good luck on the upcoming school year, but I couldn't. I can't get past saying good luck. It's been ingrained in me since I was young to say "Good luck" and to wish people good luck. But what does luck mean? ...that events occur and happen by chance without purpose or design? And that it's best to hope that maybe you can get the good king and not the bad kind? People say "I have good luck" or "I have bad luck" or "If it wasn't for bad luck I wouldn't have any luck at all." These mindsets bear witness to people's perspectives on life. So a friend told me once, "I don't believe in luck. I believe in God's sovereign grace." hmmm... no luck. just God's sovereign grace. Let me meditate on that longer. I don't think Hallmark makes Sovereign Grace greeting cards. I mean, where would they file them? Until then...

Continue in Excellence,
jdmerx