Test of Truth.
In a conversation with my father, he said something profound to me. Now, you have to understand that I come from a fairly religious family, and though I am not religious myself, I discuss things with my dad sometimes. He has insight, and will often bring up things that surprise me.
In this particular conversation, we were talking about events that happen in life. The ones that make you question the existence of Gods. Those small coincidences, that lead to big outcomes. For my mother, it was a day when I was recovering from Scarlet Fever. My dad had been deployed, and I had run a fever of over 105 degrees. It was stressful for my mom, and leaving the hospital, she was fumbling with all of these papers. The weather was stormy and windy, and she dropped a paper that was very important in order for me to get care. Somehow, someway, when she dropped the paper — despite the wind, it stuck to the ground. Allowing her to pick it up easily.
Now, this seems, small and insignificant maybe — but it was a turning point in the story. Missing my father, her son with a life threatening illness, literally overwhelmed with all that she had to carry. And there sat the paper. Waiting for her. A quiet reassurance that everything would be okay.
For my father, it was a moment when he was giving his mom a ride - and his car broke down in a bad part of town. A kind stranger came along and gave him and his mom a ride over to where they were going. And at the end of the ordeal, the stranger looked at my father and said, “You know this wasn’t an accident, right?”
For my parents, these events affirmed that there was something more. The profound thing my father said, is that everyone has a story like this. He said that the Lord gives everyone a reason to believe, and it is up to them to decide whether they do or not. Perhaps some people don’t even notice it. Or overlook it. But for me, it was a very profound thing to think about.
To think that a God exists, and that he gives everyone a reason to believe in him. But he makes it near impossible to talk about or mention. And he gives it to everyone individually.
Have you experienced something like this? Something odd, or inexplicable, that made you think twice?
I sat down to write, and there were a number of things that I wanted to write about. But in writing that, I realized that that was it.
I love my parents. They aren’t perfect. But to me, they are the epitome of humanity. The struggle and desire to always do well, while always being confronted with our limits. They are beautiful people, dependable beacons, and they will not last forever. Sometimes, I have to remind myself of that. When my emotions run high, or my patience runs low. They will not always be here, as they have been thus far. And every moment I share with them, I should cherish.
Thank you so much for reading. Remember, believing is the first step in any journey.
As always,
Stay warm.
DC
