Death and the Periodic Table

I recently read an article by Oliver Sacks about how in his last days on this earth, he is finding comfort in the Periodic Table.  Strange?  Perhaps.  But what few of you may know, is that I carry an orange laminated Periodic Table with me wherever I go.  It resembles a credit card in size and is stacked among some of them in my wallet as though it carries equal weight.  I guess this makes me an official card carrying nerd, but I've come to accept that I'm a little different.

Oliver Sacks and I have little in common, except that we both love numbers and find some comfort in them.  I am not nearly as intelligent as he is, nor am I as gifted.  However, I am fascinated by the order and complexities of this world and love learning as much as I can.  In fact, I'm sure Dr. Sacks could teach me quite a bit and I would enjoy soaking it all in.  He is a very smart man and I am saddened that he is suffering from terminal cancer.

But I am even more saddened that his only comfort is in numbers and a table of elements thrown together by man.  Really?  Is that all there is to life?  What a depressing thought to near death and only have numbers to cling to.  I too find comfort in numbers, but it pales in comparison to the love and salvation that can only come from a relationship with Jesus Christ!

This got me thinking a bit about how many people inside the church and outside the church cling to their periodic tables.  Yes, I realize that very very few of us have literal periodic tables that we carry around, but most of us turn to something other than Christ for comfort.  It could be alcohol, media, shopping, or shallow fleeting relationships.  True comfort and security is only found in knowing and being known by the Creator and Savior of the universe - the One who holds eternity in His hands.  Do you have a deep personal relationship with Jesus?  Is it a relationship that extends beyond church and reading your Bible?  I love my husband deeply, but I love my Savior even more.  Does your relationship with God transcend all that you say and do?  I hope so.  Because one day we will all find ourselves facing death, and when we do, my only comfort will come from Christ who will hold my hand as I transition from this life into eternity with Him.