Good evening, my friends. Have you climbed a tree lately? It is a little hobby (can I call it that?) of mine and, I must admit, it is one of my favorite things to do. For me, there is a certain (and significant) amount of excitement that comes to me when I climb trees. Something about navigating from branch to branch, rising high above the ground, conquering gravity... I am not sure. So I was at a going away party for a friend several days ago, and there was this really neat tree in the back yard of his house. I was thinking what a great tree it would be to climb. Later, when someone mentioned that I should climb it... I needed no further encouragement! Up I went. Visiting Toronto with some friends several days after, I saw a neat willow tree. I could not resist. I tried to climb directly up the trunk, because the branches were too high. Much to my disappointment, however, the tree did not cooperate.. and I had to give in and get a boost from one of my buddies. Occasionally when at home my sister and I will look at each other and say, "Let's go climb a tree". And so we do. Peculiar indeed.
When I used to ride on the GO Train, the commuter trains that ran from Toronto, I was always amused when a little child would come and ride on the train with their relative(s). The normally quiet and reserved conversation (or snoozing) of the tired commuters is shattered by the delightful laughter and obvious enjoyment and fascination of the child with being on a train. Looking out the window and exlaiming, "Whoa! Look at a that!". I didn't know watching townhouses whip by the window could be that exciting. But, while listening to these very innocent, happy, and genuine expressions, I began to get this feeling that as people grow up (myself included), they get far too calloused to appreciate the little wonders and simple joys of this life that God has given us the privilege of taking part in.
And that makes me think of quantum physics. Trees to trains and now to quantum physics? Yikes. It must be late. But stick with me for a minute - it will make sense. So yes, quantum physics. I am absolutely astounded at the complexity of our universe down to the sub-sub-sub(-etc.)-atomic levels. Beyond the atom, which scientists used to think was the basic building block of all matter, many, many new particles have been discovered. The atom is split up into neutrons, protons, and electrons, and is actually mostly empty space. We are all mostly empty space. But thanks to ingenius (and might I add mind-bogglingly-intelligent) design, the interaction between atoms allows for things like hard matter to exist. Ah hah! But it gets better. The neutrons and protons make up the nucleus (the largest centre part of the atom). There is an invisible force that holds these tiny particles together. Without this force, matter as we know it would blow apart and cease to exist almost immediately. Poof. Gone. Imagine the universe turning into all energy. Instantly. But wait, there is more: each neutron and proton is made up of about three quarks. Quarks are even smaller particles. They are held together by an even stronger force that actually increases as you try and pull the particles apart (kind of like elastic bands). Ok. I will stop. But isn't it incredible! I mean, this world and this universe is just so incredibly orderly and ridiculously complex! Wow!
What if we saw this world as a little child would? With trees to climb, places to explore, train windows to look out of, discoveries to make. Putting it into perspective, there is probably so much we don't know and understand about our universe, that the sum of knowledge of the scientist is really not much greater than that of a child, all things in comparison. Imagine if we all had a childlike awe and appreciation of things around us. It would be refreshing I think. We certainly have reason to be humbled in light of the incredible amount of intelligent order and design that surrounds us. So, stop and smell the roses. Climb a tree. Smile, laugh, and look out the window. Ponder the quarks. If we do, I think we will be confronted with the absolute power and creativity of God Himself. Though marred by sin and the depravity of humanity, it is still good. We would be amiss to go through our adulthood and not catching (and joining with) the silent adoration of all creation (of all matter) to the Creator. If you listen long enough with your heart, I think God will begin to show you that creation and existence itself cries out (pouring forth knowledge and declarations of his handiwork continously as the Psalms say) that God is, and that He is good. May we be good listeners. May every tree, every cloud, every breath... remind us of the Great and Only God. May we worship Him joyfully and understand that even the most beautiful thing here on earth is a mere and finite speck, a small fingerprint, of His true and glorious beauty.
And this all makes me think further of Jesus' comments on being like little children. He states that we are to become like little children, especially in humility, if we are to enter the kingdom of heaven. Of course, being like children does not mean being childish, in terms of maturity, but in innocence, faith, and humility. What if we embraced God as a little child would? With pure wonder, and faith, and joy, and awe, and obedience. Not with criticism and doubt, fear and hypocrisy, complacency... you get the idea.
I think I am convicting myself here. :) May our Father, who is in heaven, teach us how to be His children. Ever humble, ever joyful, ever full of unwavering faith, enjoying Him, and seeing His beauty all around us.
Have a wonderful night, everyone, and may God bless you!
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