Sept 12th, 2020: Seeing the World hrough Our Own Lenses
Wildfires and forest fires can be so detrimental to human health.
Two years ago, we had to go through four weeks of not being able to see
the sky. The only thing we saw was an enduring thick and massive smoke
layer that covered almost the entire Southern Alberta. So my prayers are
with people in Northern California, Washington, and Oregon these days.
There is also something eerie about the sunrise and the sunset. We see
apocalyptic images and feelings dominated by the red and orange glows mixed with some optical effect. It is not a comfortable one for sure.
Wildfires and forest fires are threatening. They can be out of control very quickly. Sometimes there is no way of fighting them successfully. We pray and hope for rain and cooler weather. I went to Fort Mc Murray right after the fire in 2016 was over. It was an image of a war-torn city. The devastation is immense as the fire destroyed more than 2400 structures. The majority of people scattered due to the fire.
Campfires, on the other hand, give us a sense of comfort and assurance. Nothing can be better than the smell of a campfire in the early morning while camping. The warmth of the fire at night helps people to rest and relax. We tell stories, jokes and we sing songs that we don't even remember. It is welcome, and it is part of a good camping trip. People gather for a campfire.
Our experience of fire is like many experiences we have with other aspects and phenomena of life. Some of us are thankful for our marriages. Some of us might say that it is overrated. Sometimes we welcome the notion of being part of a big family. Sometimes we find that stressful. We used to enjoy the convenience of prepacked and prepared food. Now some of us apprehensive about how it impacts our health. Some people appreciate order and discipline. Others find it restrictive and unwelcome. Some save money, and some spend money as they all believe that it is a sign of a good life.
When we think about these reactions carefully, it comes down to what is our perspective about life, relationships, comfort, threats, and meaning. Our worldview is the lens we see the world. Our reactions toward Covid-19 tell us how we are keenly guided by our lenses. Some of us take it seriously and do whatever we can to protect ourselves and others. Some think that it is an exaggeration. Some might even go further and call it a "hoax". That is why I am not surprised by people's various responses to the historicalness of Jesus.
2 Corinthians 4: 17-18
