Normally I would take a day off on Sunday and not post anything. However, when you have goofed it is just as well to set the record straight ASAP. This is about yesterday’s post, “The Evil Chip-Sealers.” In my head I was exaggerating for comic effect. Yes, I really dislike chipseal and no, I don’t get why our roads people keep using it. But I wanted you to laugh at me for getting all bent out of shape over something as inconsequential as pavement. That’s what I was thinking as I clicked “Publish.”

Then I looked at the post an hour or two later, and it did not sound the way I intended. Instead, I think I came across as bitter and cynical, not to mention a conspiracy theorist. My first inclination was to just delete the post. Then I realized that what I really need to do is tell you why bitterness and cynicism have no valid place in my life.

My worldview tells me that a sovereign God created this world and everything in it. “Sovereign” means “in control.” And even though unpleasant things happen, most of them more serious than pointy gravel on country roads, I still believe God is ultimately in control. It is important to note, though, that He does not cause evil. From the beginning, evil — real evil, not the chipseal kind — has been the product of those who rebel against Him: first Satan and, since his fall, all of us. In His mercy, God limits the effects of evil (in essence protecting us from ourselves). Not only that, but through Jesus He offers forgiveness to anyone who will trust Him. And in the end, He will make everything come out right in a state of perfect justice. As Abraham said in Genesis 18:25, “Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?”

Yes. Yes, He will. And so my really, truly, foundational attitude is one of peace. Despite the struggles and heartache we all face, I know that all will be well. And that is why any bitterness or cynicism that creeps into my attitude (or my writing) is out of place.

Side note: As part of the justice that I seek, I should approach my government leaders with my questions instead of making wisecracks about them on the Internet. In light of that, in the future I will think more carefully about how my comments may be perceived — ideally, before I click the “Publish” button.

Thanks for reading!
Jan