“The Universe is a series of unintentional consequences”. Seems harmless enough but the stringing together of these words and its implication cuts me deep. In that moment – I want only to grab the remote and fast-forward past this section of the story.
I cannot stop reading the sentence. Turning it over. Pulling it apart. Breaking down each section, each word. “The Universe… series… unintentional… consequences”. I am challenged to find any of myself in its meaning. For mine is a life of intention. A life defined with a higher purpose by an all-intentioned God.
Picking up the paperback, I resume reading in the hopes of understanding the authors’ viewpoint. What I find is a story showing how his best intention was never realized, instead replaced by something altogether different. Although he did not envision this for himself – it proved to have a wonderful “unintended” outcome. Hence his sentence (and I paraphrase) – “The Universe just threw him a bone”.
We can all agree that the actions of others can result in some unplanned outcomes. Free Will being the cause of many unintended ripples running through the world. Some good, some bad. But with the appearance of each wave in our lives, we must learn where to cast our eyes. So that when we need to fight and lean in - or - when we are offered a mountaintop experience “unintentional” will never be the direction of our gaze.
Not to oversimplify a complex theological discussion – but maybe… “Some Unintentional Consequences are the Universe (or Creator) attempting to get our attention”. To interrupt and set us on a new course ~ to hear the voice of angels directing our path ~ trusting in a guiding force whose only intention is LOVE.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
