The charm of ruin is that processes of decay, “wear and tear,” aging, entropy, failing health, rust, erosion, staining, crumbling dustiness add a touch of sad nobility to the spiraling springs of evernew freshness, the stark shocking brilliance of all that God pours into the world moment by moment. The tinkling of the bells I hear on the patio right now is both old and new.
You do not need to fear getting lost forever in the spiraling springs of infinite divisibility because the infinite series 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/8 + 1/16 . . . adds up to 1. Here’s the proof:
n = 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/8 + 1/16 . . .
2n = 1 + 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/8 + 1/16 . . .
2n – 1 = 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/8 + 1/16 . . .
2n – 1 = n
2n = n + 1
n = 1
The happenings that make you angry, hurt you, or make you sad, though they may flare up and burn intensely for an instant or drag you down dully for days on end, are being absorbed into immense joy and relief, which is all the richer for them. Here’s the proof:
Your unfolding future.