The Subtle Process of Erosion.
Most Australians will remember the Thredbo disaster and that tragic landslide which claimed so many lives a few years back. While there are all kinds of theories about how such a thing could happen, one doesn't have to be a rocket scientist to recognise that the sudden, outward event was preceded by some subtle, unseen activity.
Reports indicate that there had been an unseen erosion process taking place over who knows how long. Very few events happen suddenly. Wars don't "suddenly" happen. Marriages don't "suddenly" collapse. Affairs don't "suddenly" occur. Friendships don't "suddenly" break down. Businesses don't "suddenly" go bankrupt. Most events are preceded by a process; sometimes good and sometimes bad. Just like it did at Thredbo, the erosion process can undermine nations, marriages, friendships and businesses. When the foundations are eroded, the whole structure is at great risk.
Jesus Christ once told a story of two builders who put a lot of effort into the construction of their respective homes. One man gave a lot of thought to the foundations and he chose to build his house on rock. The other builder didn't seem to think that foundations were important so he built on a sandy, shifting foundation. When the storms came, both houses were battered but only one stood the test. The other house collapsed. The difference between the two houses was not so much in the outward construction but in the unseen foundation.
The living of life is like building a house. Every day we make decisions and choices that either strengthen life or undermine it. Then the storm comes - and, without exception, storms come into every life - and the decisions we have made, the values we have embraced and the actions we have taken, are put to the test. That's when foundations undergo the ultimate examination. Even as you read this, you may become uncomfortably aware of an erosion process somewhere in your life and relationships. There is little - if any - outward evidence at the moment but you know that your resolve and good intentions are slowly being worn down by rational-sounding arguments.
I often say to my children, "Make good choices. There's an exam coming".