Resolutions Part 6: Perceptions of Safety

Last week we wandered through Paris. Our only concerns were:1) not getting lost; 2) avoiding pickpockets.  Every now and then we saw soldiers in green, armed with automatic machine guns. They stood guard near the Arc of Triomphe. At Sacree Coeur. At the Louvre.

We didn't think too much of them.

We felt safe with or without soldiers.

We felt safe both day and night.

We left on Sunday morning. Three days later, on Wednesday, 12 people died at the hands of French citizens, in response to cartoons mocking Muhammad.

2 No fear, no pacing, no biting fingernails.    When the earth spins out of control, we are sure and fearless.    When mountains crumble and the waters run wild, we are sure and fearless.3 Even in heavy winds and huge waves,    or as mountains shake, we are sure and fearless.  (Psalm 46:1-3)

Last Monday, we thought about climbing the steps of the Eiffel Tower, but the line was too long.

Today there was no line. Only police cars.

Our trip would have been so very different if we had chosen to go to Paris this week instead of last week.

I'm grateful we're not there right now.

I feel safe at my little bed and breakfast in southern Wales.

But I also felt safe in Paris last week.

I feel safe at home in San Diego.

What is safety?

Perhaps safety is only a perception of security. The feeling that we are out of the reach of harm.

Sometimes we're safe, but we don't feel safe.

And sometimes we feel safe, and we don't see the danger that's coming.

Thinks can change quickly.

There are no guarantees to life. Ever.

And so we live. We live fully.

With no guarantees.

We embrace life.

We laugh.

We love.

With no guarantees.

We venture forth boldly.

With no guarantees.

God is our shelter and our strength.    When troubles seem near, God is nearer, and He’s ready to help.So why run and hide?

2 No fear, no pacing, no biting fingernails.    When the earth spins out of control, we are sure and fearless.    When mountains crumble and the waters run wild, we are sure and fearless.3 Even in heavy winds and huge waves,    or as mountains shake, we are sure and fearless.  (Psalm 46:1-3)