God and the universe

A Robin’s Tale

/ inkspeare
Robin (Photo by M.A.D.)

Since childhood, we are conditioned to see things as useful, utilitarian, and with a purpose. We learn it from our parents, at school, and later on, from all the messages we receive from society. The messages tell us that things must have a purpose, a use, to be valuable. We learn to equate utility with value, and eventually, with how good or bad things are. It is a subtle message, one that can hardly be spotted in our minds, in the way we view and judge things/people/life.

The robins are back, a sign that the lovely weather of spring days will soon arrive. Although they have their place in nature, it is not obvious to me how they impact an environment. At first glance, they might not seem “useful” at all, but for me, it is a sight that besides beauty, it brings me joy, peace, and relaxation. For me, they are valuable. Things don’t have to always be useful to be valuable. The mere existence of those pudgy birds is enough. God made them perfect.

Sometimes, we judge ourselves, we measure ourselves with the same ruler. We judge our value according to how “useful” we are, to how much we do in a day, how successful we are in life, how much money or possessions we have, or not. We go a step further and we compare ourselves to other people, whom we also judge, and we mentally and emotionally assign ourselves a “place” in the timeline of success. We think that we are in a lesser position than we should be, or that we are not enough according to those imaginary standards.

The same God who created the robins created us with value to Him. As part of His magnificent and perfect creation we have a valuable place in it, whether we see it or not. Maybe if we can accept our being, the immense value we have to our Creator, we might not be so harsh unto ourselves, and maybe, we will start seeing ourselves and our brothers and sisters with the loving eyes of our Creator, who is the perfect source of it all, including us, and the robins.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well.”

Psalm 139:14

What I Am Reading Now – Endless Universe

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Herbert presents Endless Universe by Paul J. Steinhardt and Neil Turok (Photo by M.A.D.)

I have been trying to make a dent on the backlog of books on my bookshelf. It is time for me to read Endless Universe by Paul J. Steinhardt and Neil Turok. I have meant to read this book for quite some time. I am sure that by now, there have been new developments on the Cyclic Theory, but I am going to read it. The book was written by two cosmologists, and it is about the discussion of a new theory of the origin of the universe. New theory back then, when the book was written, that is.

So, why is a Christian reading this book? Short answer: It is not going to make me less of a Christian by reading it (not contagious like chicken pox). Long answer: Although I believe that God created Heavens and Earth, this topic has always fascinated me, so from time to time I read something related to it. I don’t need proof of anything, my faith rests in the Lord. If anything, reading has strengthened my faith throughout the years. So far, this one seems interesting enough to capture my attention.

By the end of the year, I hope to have make a significant dent on the pile of books. I find that having this pile prevents me from enjoying other books that are new releases, unless it is something that I must read now. It is like a cloud that hangs over my head, so I am making the effort to reduce it a bit more. I know that there is always going to be somewhat of a small pile waiting for me, because who can resist a good book when you see one? I prefer to hold a book on my hand when I read. I tried to get used to electronic format and ended up hating it. Simply, it is not for me; Herbert would understand.