One of the more interesting ideas behind chaos theory is that order naturally arises from disorder. Nature is full of such examples. Look at a snowflake, for instance. A nebulous drop of water vapor in the sky one minute, and a beautifully symmetrical work of art the next. Or a rain puddle after a storm... no matter how violently a child dips his hands into the fluid surface and splashes around, once he steps back the surface organizes itself in circles of waves before it quiets.
Chaos theory suggests that no matter how we mess things up, a power higher than ourselves (God) regulates that which is troubled back into a state of peace and symmetry.
I've certainly witnessed this happen in my life, and the lives of those I love. And yet, I still don't trust it will happen sometimes.
There are so many wonderful people that I know that work so hard making sure that their life, their finances, their children, their home environment is perfect. Before I entered seminary I was certainly one of them. Some of those expectations I've given up, but I still haven't left all of them behind.
This Lenten season, I hope to recognize and honor the One who brings symmetry, the one who has "got my back", the One who dispenses grace, freely and fully. And maybe, just maybe, the journey this year will be deeper and calmer for me and those I love.
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