"... Time takes time you know ..."

Ben Folds, 'Time', 2005

I have a subscription to TIME magazine, which shows up in the mailbox every Monday. Unfortunately the only time I really get to read it these days is in a plane, like the one I’m in right now. I have many back issues that are still sitting in their plastic covers.

Two stories this week have caught my attention:

- Co-operation between Muslims and Christians in Egypt post its recent political uprising. Whilst in principle forming such relationships is a good thing, to win some for Christ, I’m not sure what I think of some of their joint endeavours. For example, protecting each other as they pray, helping each other re-build places of worship that were destroyed, guarding couples where one is Christian and the other Muslim. Am I just being too judgemental? What is God’s will and plan in this situation?
- The science of optimism. I haven’t read this story yet, but it’s the cover story and the reason why I picked this issue of the magazine to bring along on my trip instead of others. It fascinates me that the world keeps trying to uncover answers to questions that find their ‘Yes’ in Christ. Tell me if this is too out there or the wrong train of thought, but God engineered us with optimism to sustain our hope and faith until his plans come to fruition. There is empirical evidence for almost anything if we put our minds to it, but without the gospel what does it mean?

This kind of thinking is exactly why I subscribed in the first place, so I can know what is happening in this world and find ways to discuss these current affairs as a Christian. I just need to make sure I keep reading.