Sometimes late at night, I take my little dog out to use the bathroom. I sit on the front porch as he does his business. It is unusually quiet and peaceful now.
At times like these, you realize the heavens, filled with zillions of stars, are much bigger than you ever imagined. You are convinced that there must be a higher power watching over us. You realize that you are only a tiny flicker of life in this gigantic universe, but at the same time, you were also formed in God’s image.
Somewhere tonight, a tiny, warm baby sleeps soundly in its mother’s arms while in another place on the other side of the globe, a mother and her children are running for their lives as bombs are exploding all around them. It is easy to know this world is full of love as the baby rests peacefully in its mother’s arms, but it is hard to realize that our world is also full of hate when cruel leaders of third-world countries have no respect for innocent lives.
As I sit quietly relishing in peace, quietness, and solitude, I am aware our planet is in deep trouble—not because God is doing anything wrong but because mankind is slowly destroying it.
The rainforest that filters carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is being burned and cut down. Brazil and other countries believe it is more important to have more farmland than pure, filtered air for generations to come.
Global warming is also a touchy situation among world leaders. Most leaders say it is more important to keep profits and commerce moving instead of worrying about global warming, which could be decades away. However, all the signs are there that we are headed for disaster if we don’t address it immediately.
When I was a little boy, I also viewed the star-filled heavens, like tonight, with “awe.” The heavens haven’t changed, but mankind surely has.
Somewhere tonight, a mad scientist is busy working on a formula for a strain of resistant bacteria to destroy the entire United States and other God-fearing countries. Terrorists have invaded our communities, spouting hate messages and bringing fear into our hearts. We are no longer safe in our own homes, churches, or places of business. We never expected terrorists would have made inroads into our communities, but believe me… They are here!
The sweet smell of honeysuckle suddenly drifts across the front porch. Maybe, I think, the world situation isn’t as dire as I thought it was. As beautiful as our world is, the devil is always trying to undo God’s perfect creation. We must always be aware of his schemes.
It is time for me and my puppy to go inside for a good night’s rest, but somewhere tonight, people are going to work. Somewhere tonight, another baby is being born into a world of uncertainty. Meanwhile, the planet keeps spinning in space. Earth and its people are never at complete rest somewhere tonight.
