Earth

Earth is such a magnificent creation! The fact that it exists and continues to exist is a marvel in and of itself. The science of life on earth is amazingly incredible. Who could tire of learning how it all works?

But then there is the beauty - everywhere there is beauty! Why just in our yard there is the unveiling of all four seasons of the year! Each flower alone is lovely but then just look in the early morning when dew lies on all or by the light of the late afternoon sun and it is totally different. And even though we live in the heart of a village, we've had an array of animals - many unwelcome guests. And of course, we love our birds and butterflies! 

Beyond our yard and village, there is a whole world to explore - more than you could ever see in a lifetime. It only leaves you wanting more - more time in the mountains and valleys, on the seashores and lakes and rivers, more time watching sunrises and sunsets. I could go on and on.

Yet we were given this beautiful home knowing that amidst this beauty there would be adversity. Mountains would explode, lava would flow down, rivers would flood, winds would destroy.

And the very worst would be man's inhumanity - the terrible things we do to each other.

I can only make sense of this life when I put it in context of God’s plan for his children. That eternal perspective - believing that this life is an important step in our eternal progression - gives me courage to face life’s challenges.

Faith in Jesus Christ gives me hope for all of us. Through Him we are forgiven for those things we do wrong. And through Him we will be healed of all the wounds we gather along the way. Without that eternal perspective and without the promise of healing, life would be a great tragedy.

And yet we see rise from every tragedy here great heroes that remind us of our better selves. They show us the noble side of human nature and remind us of our own potential. It is in the mix of good and bad that we develop character, that we are called upon to make tough choices.

Earth is our home, our teacher, our school, our place to learn what no book can teach. What we learn here shapes and mold us. We change and change and change. We are God’s children, learning to become like Him. I have to believe this.

The friends and family I love so much, who have made my life worthwhile here on Earth are the very ones I expect to spend eternity with! I have to believe that the relationships we form here on earth will remain with us forever.  Why else does separation hurt so much?