Crisis of Faith?

I went to college with a young man whose mother was raped and brutally murdered a few years ago. The man who murdered her is on trial now facing the death penalty and her family members had to testify in court. Since this is a legal case, I am sure they have been exposed to the gory details of the crime (based on news reports alone she suffered a great deal, in court all of the details come to light which must be horrible to hear as a loved one). I was reading his blog today and am just amazed at how admirably he has dealt with the situation. He hasn't allowed hatred for the perpetrator of the crime to consume him, nor has he allowed such a horrific tragedy to bring about a crisis of faith for him.

I think it is very difficult to come to terms with the various tragedies we may/ do face in this world. How can we wrap our heads around really, really bad things happening to really, really good people? How is that fair? Why does a loving, just, and merciful God allow such a thing? I guess it comes down to God isn't really "allowing" it to happen, is he? We as human beings have one distinct thing that differentiates us from the animal kingdom, that is free will. With that comes a great responsibility to act in the way God has taught us, through his manifestations, will elevate our souls and bring prosperity to mankind as whole. Unfortunately, there individuals who choose not to do so. In so choosing, sometimes, tragedy befalls those of us who have chosen to try to "live the life" and develop the good in us rather than fall victim to the lower nature we are all possessed with.

I admire this young man, because, even though I know bad things happen and it shouldn't dictate our faith in God and shouldn't change our goal in life to be good, and kind, and loving, even to our enemies, I am not so sure I would handle things as gracefully as he has (outwardly anyway). I pray that I never have to learn how I would handle myself in such a situation. I also pray for fortitude and courage for those who do. I can't even begin to imagine what it must feel like to face the perpetrator of such a horrendous crime or live with the knowledge of so dreadful an act committed against the person you love most in the world.

Life Update

It's been about a month since I last wrote anything here, so I guess its time I update everyone on my life the past month. Things have been going pretty well. Nothing spectacular has happened to me, but life is good nonetheless. P and I returned almost a week ago now from a wonderful week in Florida where we went on vacation, just the two of us, for the first time in a long time. We really had a fabulous time. The weather was delightful, truly perfect, in the mid 80's, sunny everyday, not too hot, but just right. We stayed at a very nice hotel and had an awesome 1 bedroom villa, went to the pool, jacuzzi, amusement parks, shopping, and ate out at some restaurants we don't have here. It was just what I needed. Upon our return, the weather was quite nice here. Spring has definitely arrived. I love seeing green everywhere. Things haven't fully bloomed yet, but they are getting there. My mood has been so much better recently and its probably due to a combination of factors, but truth be told, I honestly believe that 95% of the reason is the change in weather. I always knew I am affected by the weather, but never to such a great extent. It's amazing how that one thing can have such a tremendous impact on one's sense of well being.

I am looking forward to this summer and either having my parents come for a visit or my visiting them. Also, the Baha'i summer school is going to be really awesome this year, even better than last year, so I am excited about that. Work is getting busier which is a good thing. I hope it doesn't become too busy, but we'll see how it goes. Sorry for the long absence, I will try and write more frequently. Hope all of you who read this are doing well too!!! To my dear friend Tali, best of luck with your final exam tomorrow, its almost over!!!! So proud of you!!!