Have Faith

Many of us are very lucky, as we have been granted the privilege of witnessing life’s timepiece reach the completion of its “windings cycle” for those we have cared for.” This is what is often referred to by master clock makers in the days gone by to signify the end of its cycle. Unfortunately for me, I’ve witnessed firsthand the end of life for too many of my family members and close friends way before I wanted to say my goodbyes.

In conversations with friends of mine that have studied theology, I enjoyed listening as they shared their belief that the Almighty has created the Universe but has had little or nothing to do with its operation. On the other hand, some strongly believe that God has, in fact, created the universe and is in turn guiding its operation and man’s future, not allowing it to get too out of balance. 

For me, I find it improbable that the “Creator” could be so foolish as to leave the fate of the world and every living being in the hands of humankind alone. Heck, I can’t even remember to close the refrigerator door after retrieving a soda late at night. I can only hope that he is, in fact, working through some of the brightest of his creations, nudging us along in the right direction and leaving us a few hints along the way to ensure we don’t get too far afield and screw things up.

I know that we’ve been experiencing some difficult times as of late. We have been pretty lucky over all these years, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t come close to running the train off the track on occasion and have allowed some pretty evil things to have occurred during our time here on earth. Still, we have stood up to evil and persevered through some of those very dark days and done what was collectively right for humanity.

I remember reading a few biographies dealing with men who have led our nation during some of the darkest of our times. I really believe that Harry and Bess Truman were two pretty level headed individuals. I mention them as a couple because I do believe some of our finest leaders had wonderful partners which showed a great stabilizing effect between them, which would help them think through some of the very most difficult of decisions.

Many times I find myself on occasion questioning my own faith and puzzling over how the evil we have witnessed in our lives has been allowed to have occurred. I don’t think I’m alone in having one’s faith questioned. It seems every time I’ve come over the bridge, returning or leaving the island to do an errand or two in Naples, that the magnificent flag at the base of the bridge has been brought to half-staff, signifying but another tragic loss of life.

Mass shootings, chemical fires, train derailments and natural disasters seem to be a daily occurrence rather than just a rare occurrence anymore. I still have never understood the depravity it takes for an individual to hurt or molest a child.

Just when I think I’ve seen it all, I read about a simple act of kindness that stirs my soul and renews my faith in humanity. I will hear about a teacher who shields a child from a senseless act of violence which results in that child being saved because that teacher gave their life so she might live.

On occasion, I’ll pick up a magazine and read a story about how a surgeon saves the life of their patient through the use of their hands and the skills that they were gifted with. 

On occasion, I will see a picture of a premature birth, a child that when they are born and are so small that you tremble when you witness the sheer miracle of such a birth. If you don’t believe in the Almighty when you cast your eyes on the presence of that miracle, you have ice water in your veins.

Yes, for all the terrible things we witness as we go through life, He does provide us with a glimmer of hope in the miracles He does present to us. The beauty of a sunset as that fiery red ball sinks into the horizon and down into the Gulf of Mexico every evening. It’s a pretty nice site that we too often take for granted.

As I look at a way to finalize this article tonight, I think about the many friendships I’ve had the privilege to make over my relatively short time here on earth. The love I’ve been given by those that have stood by me over the years and the opportunity to return that gift of friendship by being there for them when those occasions arose that I could be that shoulder to lean on when that occasion arose.

We need to have faith and believe in the miracles we’ve yet to witness, for I believe there are better days ahead, my friends. God Bless you all.