As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. Ecclesiastes 11:5The Wonder of God's Way
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. Ecclesiastes 11:5
Today's Bible Gateway bible verse of the day is a fascinating combination of examples for God's hand at work in our life. On the one hand, we have the wind, the spirit of God, moving about the face of the earth going where it will at unpredictable rates and direction. And on the other hand we have the miracle of God's creation taking place in the formation of a new life.
A sailor uses the wind to move her sailboat to the intended destination by trimming the sail and manipulating the rudder through a tiller. Sometimes, the progress to the destination is fast and direct. Other times, it is an indirect zigzag across the water. She works with what she has at the moment.
We understand a great deal more about the formation of a human body from the moment of creation to birth than Solomon did at the time of the writing of this scripture, but with this understanding comes a great deal more questions answers. Why are some gene manifestations selected and others not? How is a thumb differentiated from a little toe in the chromosomal spaghetti of the growing embryo? Regardless of our level understanding, we praise God for the miracle of new life a celebrate it.
The simple lesson I take from this scripture is that even though I may not know the path of the wind or intricacies of gene selection in the formation of a human body, I can appreciate God's hand at work and rejoice. I may not have the best wind direction to make progress toward my goal in the fastest time, but I can adjust and work with what is given. Likewise, the miracle of life is awe inspiring. We are blessed when it occurs and even when it does not occur. The difficulty may come in accepting things as they come. This is what we are asked to do here. Accept what God brings to us and make adjustments, even if we don't understand the full meaning.
Dear Lord: Thank you for being a part of my life, for giving me power to move, for the capacity to love, and for the miracle of your creation you have shown me. May I continue to set goals, make adjustments, and Love as you intend. In the Jesus name, Amen.
Contributed by Richard
Sunday May 24, 2009
Liturgical Year B Week 26
Sunday Gospel Readings:
Seventh Sunday of Easter