So?

As I sit and watch the waves roll in against the shore in south India, I am struck by the relentless patience, perseverance, and ultimately power on display. Like many situations in India the odds are against success. The lack of infrastructure would deter many yet for others it is an amazing opportunity. The sheer size of the population is overwhelming, yet the hope I find in the eyes and hearts of people across the spectrum puts western countries to shame. Even if everything else reasonable, the absolute magnitude of the problems – economic opportunity, basic education, access to adequate health care, would normally destroy anyone open enough to see what is actually going on.
As I walk the streets, everywhere I look I find signs of hope. It is as if the people have taken a clue from the ocean and said, “so?” “Block me if you can, I will carry on. Air your doubts to whomever you choose; I will just take on the challenge. Take away any earthly rewards because you obviously do not understand the real game of life.”
The brutal reality is that the odds are against those who care to make a difference. This isn’t new. People across the ages have struck out against those who were here for others. Even “the high priests plotted to kill Lazarus because so many of the Jews were going over and believing in Jesus on account of him.” (John 12.10, 11) Given how long this has been going on why would one think today would be otherwise? More importantly, so what!
You and I cannot and will not solve the world’s problems of hunger and injustice. We don’t need to. We can make a difference. There will be opposition, roadblocks, and even outright battles. So? Today is full of windows. What we do sets the course of everything to come. People working for a common purpose are as powerful, enduring, encouraging as the sea which carries on. You and I can be part of this team. The only questions rest within. It’s our call.