“Hardy”

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

In past blogs I have written about the concept of paradox, that is, a truth that appears contrary to common sense. I have also written about my little backyard pond, and the very hardy fish that occupies that pond. He/she is, (I will call her a female for sake of pronoun redundancy), by my reckoning, at least eight years old. This little mutt (by the way at least 5 times larger than when she was set into her current home) has thrived through every season, every frigid winter, and every blazing summer. I have named her “Hardy”. I thought about adding another fish named Laurel, but Hardy would probably not like sharing her space after all these years. Several years ago, I added a few little fish and they succumbed to – well something got them.  Hardy however, has survived splendidly on her own.

Yes, I place a de-icer in the pond when sub-zero temperatures would freeze it solid. I tend to the pond health by thinning overgrown aerating plants, skim out leaves as best I can to avoid too much decaying organic matter, and rarely, I add a little water in the summer when evaporation makes the water level a bit low.

The fish however has never been fed by me. She must fend for herself, eating the algae, any insects she can find, and whatever else she may decide is nourishing. She must avoid predators such as snakes, an occasional blue heron, one of the feral cats in the neighborhood, maybe even the raccoons that prowl in the evenings. The point is, a very rigorous life, one of striving for survival and hard work finding food, has made her extremely fit for her environment.

That got me thinking about the idea of a life of striving. People who must work hard to survive and thrive are usually stronger for the effort. A life of relative ease does not cause one to live longer. Indeed, it tends to shorten life. The “greatest generation” of the depression and World War II, were called that for a reason. They had to overcome much suffering and deprivation, yet they helped build a strong nation.   

The gospel is replete with paradox. Statements like the weak are strong, the last shall be first, one must lose their life to find it, etc. are just a few examples.

When we strive, we survive. What a beautiful paradox.

Prayer: Lord, your ways are higher than our ways, and they are so amazing, Amen