I haven't completely figured out why excellent threads like these slip into oblivion faster than you can click the refresh button. A very well written piece. And keen observations from the other posters as well.
Your comments stirred up memories from my childhood about the cruel realities of life. I remember going to work with my father (to a slaugherhouse) at a very small age. I remember not wanting to see this cow, as it was brought down from the hill in the cold morning fog and herded into a small enclosure, to be slaugherted for meat. I remember watching at the last second as my dad pulled the trigger of his rifle, point blank on the animal's head. It fell into the trap and was strung up with hooks by its rear legs. I vividly remember the cow convulsing, bleeding as it's throat was cut. It was left to bleed, only to be gutted moments later.
Of course, I never gave it any thought when later that week or that month while happily enjoying my meal at McDonald's! I was only a child, but the connection escaped me, even then. Some how, it manages to escape me now. I guess I don't want to see it, or think on it, or believe that it really happens that way anymore.
On a more profound level, I guess I could say that I'm as guilty as others of suppressing the harsh reality of our human existence. We have become masters of building facades that mask the unattractive underpinnings of our society. Our lives are so inudated with things, technology, and "toys," that often, we are too distracted to properly percieve the curse of mortality brought upon all creation by one man's sin. I have even drawn back from people, who were facing real trials and pain, because it was too "messy" for my neat and tidy life. When life becomes that sterile, it is indeed painful to think on the harsh truth of Calvary...but we must never forget it! It is only fitting to occasionally be reminded of these things, both naturally and spiritually.I think Solomon said it right: (
Ecclesiastes 7:2-4).