The Central Core

A recent reading introduced me to a perspective of life which spoke of it as being an existence filled with restlessness, dissatisfaction, and darkness.  Since the words were written by a Christian writer, I found myself filled with surprise and a a sense of wondering where this read might be going.  No one needs to make a convincing argument that the world around us is filled with darkness, despair, and the unleashed presence of evil.  Yet, even though such is true, there is something within us which holds us to this earth and longing for more breaths than we deserve.   

More and more am I aware of how my own theological core has changed and is changing in these days here on the farm.  Nothing seems to be seen as it was and nothing that is being seen seems to be only what it appears to be.  The first words of Genesis keep finding me in moments of quiet solitude to speak to me about the goodness of what God has created.  As each act of creation comes to its moment of completion, there is that simple word, "...it was good."  (Genesis 1:4). The phrase repeats itself again and again until there is that moment when everything including humankind had been brought into being and then the three word phrase is changed to one of six words, "...and indeed, it was very good."  (Genesis 1:31).  

There is no denying the horror that we can inflict upon one another with our harmful actions and our spite filled words.  Neither is there any denying that the Creation contains within it the possibility of unleashed forces which bring destruction of property and life.  Despite the reality of the darkness which truly does invade our sense of well being, the words of Genesis still ring true.  What God has made is indeed very good.  It is not a creation which begins with the darkness, but one which begins with an eternal light (Genesis 1:3) that touches every part of the creation, holds it together, and gives life to it.  The eternal light of the creation story is the central core around which everything exists, and thus, it has the power to overcome any darkness, destroy any evil, and restore any broken soul.