Earlier this summer, fires tore through the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota. Last month the 35W bridge collapsed. A few weeks ago a series of storms ripped huge oaks up by the roots and toppled dozens and dozens of trees in our neighborhood, leaving us without power for five days. Last weekend, flash floods took lives, washed out roads, and destroyed homes in south-eastern Minnesota.
Minnesota has always felt like a safe place: relatively low crime rate, land of 10,000 lakes and the gentle humor of Garrison Keillor.
People in our community are grappling with sudden and devastating loss. I'm wondering if there is such a thing as "safe" besides the umpire's call when a runner successfully slides into home.
Makes me think of the William Shedd quote: "A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for."
Life isn't safe. And even those of us who prefer to drop anchor in peaceful ports can still be capsized by sudden storms. That's an uncomfortable realization. We'd rather believe that we have control. That if we eat a healthy diet we'll never get sick, if we have an alarm system our house won't be robbed, if we make smart financial choices we'll never be poor. That our bridges are solid, our storm-tracking radar will somehow protect us from wind and rain, and that the plans we make for ourselves will unfold per our schedule. Yet there are times that despite our efforts, the illusion of safety fractures.
That would be a bleak and scary thought if three-score and ten years on planet Earth were our only lot, our only reality.
But there is a much bigger picture.
Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
Our time on this sin-sick planet is only a small piece of our destiny, our eternity. While we're here, there will be trouble - even sudden, inexplicable tragedy. We grieve. We mourn. We hurt. We realize that life isn't safe. We hold and comfort each other.
And all the while we look to the horizon. Because our overcoming Jesus isn't done with the story. One day we'll be with Him. One day we won't have to battle cancer, crime, and craziness, fires, floods and storms. One day we'll slide into home and He'll joyfully shout, "Safe!"
Even today, I nestle into the truth that while storms brew, my soul is safe in His care. "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8
Sharon Hinck ...
...stories for the hero in all of us
The Secret Life of Becky Miller (Bethany House, June 2006)
Renovating Becky Miller (Bethany House, February 2007)
The Restorer (NavPress, May 2007)
The Restorer¹s Son (NavPress, September 2007)
