The Basic Human Condition

It would be nice to live in a perfect world, and although we catch glimpses of nirvana here and there, the human race is not destined to enjoy these moments on a sustainable basis.

Challenges are thrown our way in a never-ending stream. Some of these struggles are minor (the car won't start, a sore neck, a momentary setback in the workplace, etc) and some seem to defy our ability to handle them (natural disasters, war, major car accidents, and serious disease). In Saving Private Ryan, for example, three of four brothers were tragically killed on the same day.

As a result of these obstacles, our best laid plans require continual tweaking. John Lennon advised his son that "life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans". The Bible tells us to "be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer".

In other words, stuff happens, plans go awry, but we always have hope for a better day.

As a father, I feel the afflictions of my sons and their families and know that they have the hope of a happy and productive future. In Tommy's case, for instance, my view of his future includes lots of kids, grandkids, success in something he loves, lots of activity and fun, and a life well-lived. My hope is placed in him overcoming his current challenges.

Nature is an example of how resilient life can be. Storms, winters, and disasters take their shot but can never overcome the hope of a new and more beautiful day.

But nature is only an example; it's not the answer. The psalmist wrote: "I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from where comes my help? My help comes from the Lord [not the hills] who made heaven and earth".