Making Sense of the Random

In school I frequently led a daily school assembly that usually involved a story…

Through one term I asked for random objects to be brought. Staff and pupils presented me with… a cabbage, fire extinguisher, favourite cuddly toy, javelin, tin of beans… that I had to include in that day’s story.

My blog presents a similar challenge… Yesterday’s three random objects were ‘‘Getting old’ conversations’, ‘Kermit’s ‘Rainbow Connection’’, and ‘Lowestoft’s Gull Wing Bridge.’

‘Getting old’ conversations… My yesterday included men’s shed, a care-home visit, and meeting up with some friends. Conversations included illnesses, end-less war, hope-less politics, destructive religion, people who are rude, lazy, selfish…

But there were positives – the caring grandchildren, the imminent trip to London, the planned ‘bucket list’. I remembered the ancient prophecy of Joel – about ‘old men dreaming dreams’…

Kermit’s ‘Rainbow Connection’… My friend Jack reminded me of this beautiful muppet song with the magic lines:

Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me.

Initially Kermit doesn’t believe in the ‘rainbow connection’ – it’s just an illusion invented by lovers, dreamers and him. As the song progresses he wonders if it is true… finally concluding that he can’t ignore it; it’s there to be found.

Lowestoft’s Gull Wing Bridge… The final section of our long-awaited third river crossing arrived on a barge yesterday. We’re told that it will take three weeks to instal.

It’s been talked about for years; one 72-year-old told me he did a project about a proposed third crossing when he was at school. Eventually… it’s finally happening!

Making sense of the random: My three objects remind me to be an old man who sees through present pain to future dreams, to join the lovers and dreamers in finding that ‘rainbow connection’, because eventually that bridge will be built.

And my faith points to future hope that keeps me optimistic, the reality of dreams and love, and the one who comes to be that bridge over troubled waters.