Links

In the chaos we call life dots are not always easy to connect.  It doesn’t seem to if one lives in the suburbs or the city, in apparent peace or turmoil, or even in relative periods of calm.  Even having apparent security doesn’t help.  Life comes with unknowns, surprises, and lurking tragedies.  The only way one can survive is to hide in a world of your own creation.  Even then you are not always safe.
 
I think there is an alternative most of us, my self first in line, hide from.  Instead of building a shield, try embracing.  Instead of fighting, try being.  Instead of being defensive, think of going on the offensive.  Be intentional in every moment, time, and place. 
 
Initially I found New York to be overwhelming.  In many ways it still is.  I thought California would be a more relaxed environment.  Ironically, in its own way, it is as overwhelming as New York!  Conundrums abound on both coasts.  Chaos is present, even without my contributions.  Uncertainty is a norm not an exception. 
 
As I reflect, looking to learn from history, I find that there are two distinct ways of being in this world.  First, I can know “God's hand rests on this mountain!  [Secondly, and as an alternative] As for the Moabites, they'll be treated like refuse, waste shoveled into a cesspool.  Thrash away as they will, like swimmers trying to stay afloat, they'll sink in the sewage.  Their pride will pull them under.  Their famous fortifications will crumble to nothing, those mighty walls reduced to dust.”  (Isaiah 25.10-12)
 
There are links between my actions and how the world responds.  There are links between the peace in my life and the way I approach life.  God is here – in your life and mine.  God is present – in this moment and the next.  God is willing to link the course of our lives with Divinity.  Alternatively my pride and defenses (arrogance) can try to fight their way through. 
 
Today is a part of your choice and mine.  We control the links in our lives.