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On
February 1, 2003, many of us watched in disbelief as the Space Shuttle Columbia
broke up on reentry. I felt a deep sense of sadness that was beyond what I experience
when others die that I do not personally know. Our son in Texas heard the explosion
and debris fell in several locations not far from his town. Our son in Florida
lives close to the landing path of the returning shuttles. In some ways, this
tragedy did hit closer to home.
We think "tragedy" when we have no control over a bad event. If the
happening seems senseless, unbelievable or epic in proportions, we ascribe a grander
description than just "accident."
How great is the Creator of this world and space we explore? Does
He recognize a tragedy? Jesus told His disciples, "Are not two sparrows sold for
a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your (Heavenly)
Father" (verse
29). God is indeed aware of every event going on in this world.
Whether God's children are streaking across the sky at 12,500 MPH,
or sitting in a little cold apartment, lonely and needy, He is conscious of us
and is with us. You may feel insignificant compared to the seven who died high
in the sky, but you are not. Take comfort! You are no less loved nor attended
to in life or death by your Father in Heaven.
All Scripture references are from the New American
Standard Version unless otherwise noted.
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