The Uncertainty of Life

I snapped pictures while we were, quite literally, barreling down the narrow roadway at 60-70 mph at times. There is a constant stream of trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, animals, and even young children on the road which the speeding cars are weaving in and out of.

In fact, sadly, pedestrians killed on roadways are one of the most common causes of death in Africa!

It occurred to me, while snapping these photos, that they live with and accept a great deal more uncertainty in life than we do.

At home we carefully regulate safety laws, we buy insurance against calamity, we expect the government to step in for emergency medical or job loss. If an accident should occur, we at least expect that an emergency team would be on the scene promptly. I'm just saying that we expect a much higher level of security and certainty than most people in Africa would dare imagine.

On the other hand, I do see one key benefit that so many people have here, perhaps, as a result of the daily uncertainties: they often live with one foot firmly planted in the hope of eternity. Since this world is so fragile and uncertain, they seem able to accept this and even find motivation from it to serve God wholeheartedly as they look forward to the time when, finally, life and love and happiness will be truly certain. Perhaps it's the uncertainties of life that make them more certain about those things that truly are certain.

As a westerner, it would be difficult for me to trade the safety nets provided by my own culture for the sense of unpredictability and even danger that so many in Africa seem to live with. On the other hand, their certainty in the things that really matter, and the peace that many of them have as a result, is certainly enviable.

Meanwhile, I'm thankful for a competent driver!