Robinson Crusoe

As I have been working today, I have been listening to a podcast, The Jefferson Hour. For many reasons I quite like this podcast, even today when no one is portraying Thomas Jefferson. Today they have engaged my mind with a discussion of the classic Robinson Crusoe.

For those who don't know, Robinson Crusoe is the tale of a middle class man who uses his wealth to take an adventure and ends up shipwrecked for 28 years. It deals with topics of natural man verses civilized man, value of wealth and finding yourself in isolation. More importantly, this experience causes the main character to really discover God.

This is where my mind leaves the podcast and begins the wondering it often does when left to it's own devices. What if it was me? How would I survive? How would I be entertained? How could I be found?

At this point I am both in my office and on the island. I can't smell the salt in the air and feel the desperation. I can experience the joy at finding food and almost weep at the loss of my family.

Why would God do this? I have faith. I love him. I want to serve him. Why would God shelter me not only from those I love, but even my very service to him. It seems the isolation of a believer doesn't make any sense. Faith without others seems wasted.

There is something in that thought that draws me back to my desk. The island having served it's purpose. God hasn't cast me to some far away place, taken me from my family.

When I choose to let it go to voicemail, not stay a little longer, not open up, not participate, not help others, it is not God I need to look to for answers, but myself.