Consequences

Conspiracy theorists are certain that there is a plan behind many of the random events of our lives.  Perfect storms are never accidents.  In each instance, there are reasons and people behind the unfolding plays of our lives.  The evidence supporting this view always seems to surface, if only for a limited time.  Someone making $275 million on a single transaction while betting against a company's survival must know something!  People disappear from corporate view yet stay on payrolls.  Agendas, real and imaginary, play out as if being directed by an invisible conductor.
In the reality of life today, I would like to suggest that there are two points we easily overlook.  First, perfect storms do happen.  They initially seem unique, often followed years later by a storm that is more intense, destructive, and overwhelming – a new perfect storm.  Even when the odds are less than one in a million, once they happen the odds that they have or will happen move to one to one.
Second, from my vantage point, there is little planning occurring at a macro level.  People react, they take advantage of certain situations, and broad policies are pursued with an incredible range of tactical responses.  I do not believe that this is a single individual, or group, that understands all the variables!  Assumptions and relationships are assumed to draw conclusions and projections.  What unfolds can as easily go to plan as not. 
Third, as a result, we live in a world of consequences.  Some are intended, others anything but.  Celebrations and pain emerge with equal frequencies, both a result of life actions, decisions, and choices.  An unintended consequence of persecution came, when “forced to leave home base, the followers of Jesus all became missionaries.  Wherever they were scattered, they preached the Message about Jesus.” (Acts 8.4)
What will today be like?  I have no idea.  The question in peace and in storms is the same; what will we do in the moment that we have?  Will we embrace community or stand for self?  Will we exercise compassion or seek justice?