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Thoughts on Fragility


 

        What is the most fragile thing? As I put some pencil lead into a mechanical pencil, I wondered if pencil lead was the most fragile thing. But then, there are other thin, tiny things that break easily, like a strand of crystallized sugar. A lot fragile. But, enumerating fragile objects isn’t my point.

          So, I think the question is, how do fragile things break? Pressure snaps a twig or a pencil lead. Glass breaks when it is dropped. Hot glass breaks when in contact with cold water. Thread breaks when the tension is too great for the strands to handle. Most lightweight things break when too much weight is applied. It depends on the item.

        I think, people are the most fragile things in the world. I can break with too much pressure or tension. I break when dropped or when drenched with cold water when excited or interested. I also break when there is too much on my plate. Even this is not all the ways I can break, but it is an exhaustive enough list.

        Is the point of life to become stronger or recognize my limits? Is the point of growth to become something different or improve on what I already have? Is strength about resistance or resilience? I think it is all of the above. What do you think?

Comments

  1. Ann TeldererJuly 25, 2023 at 11:02 PM

    I agree with you that it is all of the above. And, as usual, I am amazed at your insight and the depth of substance in your analysis. Your three summary questions encourage some deep thought and prayer. They touch my spirit as well as my mind, giving me a desire to spend time exploring them in the Bible and in personal time with the Lord.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jubilee YoungJuly 26, 2023 at 12:34 PM

      Fragility brings us closer to the One who thought fragile clay--created in His image--was the best material to breathe into the breath of life.

      Delete

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