FROM WHY TO WONDER

While Jim and I were visiting his mom, Gayle, at her assisted-living residence, we spent one afternoon enjoying the music of a local singer. He was a favorite with the residents, and for two hours, he sang a variety of gospel songs and hymns. As I listened, I observed the residents around me…

Gayle is doing very well; she is a cheerful, caring friend for many of the residents and staff. The woman next to me took my hand into her lap and held it, smiling up as if she recognized me. A blind woman sat across the room, happily singing and swaying to the music. Several people called out requests, while others sat silently. One seemed irritated. A few were weepy.

I thought about the length of our time here on earth. Why do some people live beyond their hopes and dreams, while others die before they can dream them? Why did I survive cancer while others have not? Why do some lives linger long while others are suddenly interrupted?

And then… the singer began singing, “How Great Thou Art.”

Many of the residents began singing along, and a deep reverence filled the room. Peace radiated from these folks as we sang about the greatness of God–from those who were thriving, but also from those who were lingering, struggling, or simply remembering. Unexpectedly, my tears began to flow; my extended family has often requested this beloved hymn for the funerals of our loved ones. Faith is a God-given peaceful trust that enables us to praise God even as we grieve, or hurt, or cannot understand.

When my questions overwhelm, when “why?” fills my thoughts, I am tempted to say, “When I get to heaven, I am going to ask God why…” But I am comforted to know that when we get to life eternal, we will no longer care about our questions.

Our whys will be turned into wonders.

We are already living in an eternal continuum. And when we behold this present life with less why and more wonder, we begin to trust that ordinary moments are filled with more than we can imagine… that life has been created perfectly–we only imperfectly comprehend… that life holds secrets that will one day bless us beyond our dreams…

and every Why we have today will be replaced with the Wonder of God.

“A genuine faith resolves the mystery of life by the mystery of God.” ~ Reinhold Niebuhr

Can you find out the deep things of God?
    Can you find out the limit of the Almighty?
It is higher than heaven—what can you do?
    Deeper than Sheol—what can you know?
Its measure is longer than the earth
    and broader than the sea.
Job 11:7-9 (NRSVUE)

(Photo by Karen; Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/)