A few months ago, I read a devotional penned by a woman whose husband had been delivered from alcoholism. Unfortunately, he did not survive the endocarditis that afflicted him not long after. What stayed with me was her quiet observation: “Some things remain a mystery in this life.”
I write following the heartbreaking news of Air India flight AI171, which tragically crashed in the Indian city of Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of more than 200 people on board — along with others in proximity to the medical college struck by the plane. Only one known survivor remains.
A particularly gut-wrenching story is that of a family of five who were reportedly on their way to start a new life in London, where the father worked as a doctor.
As hearts around the world break and search for answers, social media has filled with various remarks. Some suggest that entire families should avoid travelling together — as is the practice with heirs in the British royal family, and with the separate travels of the U.S. President and Vice President. Another widely shared sentiment, especially across X (formerly Twitter), is: “If it’s Boeing, I ain’t going.”
And yet, despite all our efforts to be cautious, to prepare, to prevent, sometimes, terrible things still happen. This isn’t meant to scare anyone, and certainly not to discourage taking precautions. I’m simply acknowledging that some things, as cruel and devastating as they are, seem unavoidable.
A person can die in an accident on a road they’ve driven safely for years, or from something as seemingly harmless as eating.
Recently, on a personal note, I had a strange and frightening experience: one of the four glass doors of the shower (a shower I use every day) suddenly shattered and fell on me as I stepped in.
Just like that.
(P.S. I’m okay.)
My dad once said something to the effect that when we get to heaven, we may not even think to ask God about these things, because they might no longer matter in the way they do now.
Alas, we’re left to wrestle with the confusion, the heartbreak, and the mystery.