| Of the circle of life |

I can't help but think that Elton John is right; perhaps there is some big circle of life. But before anyone jumps on me with claims that I'm somehow advocating some blend of Eastern religious circularity of life (Buddhism, Hinduism, etc) and Christianity, I'm not. I'm merely pointing out that life tends to flow in patterns that make sense. Today, children are being born and people nearing the end of their life are dying. Death gives way to life, and life gives way to death.

Yet there is something so much more to this picture than a reflection on mortality. There is a redemptive story at work as well. Sin and destruction give way to grace and mercy. Even the stories of cataclysmic destruction (Japan and Haiti come to mind) offer hope. Something about destruction causes people to rise up and offer a helping hand; something about sin causes our God to step forward and offer the perfect solution.

Perhaps this is why I appear apathetic or disinterested in the face of destruction and death. But I don't think it's either of these emotions, for I truly have a sense of peace that everything is gonna be just fine. I'm content with some of the mysteries of God's plan that passes my understanding, for He offers me a peace that passes that same understanding.

This is not to say we should not plead with our God and urge Him to act. Japan and the Pacific need our prayers right now. We need to beg that God would be merciful and that restoration would follow soon after the ravaging that took place. And this is where a measure of creative tension can be ever so helpful. Pray that God would act all the while knowing He knows so much more and understands so much clearer than we could ever wonder or imagine. He truly is a big God with a big heart.

Cheers.