Anything Is Possible

It was a presentation by Richard Dawkins that caused the phrase, “anything is possible,” to stick in my head.  Dawkins is a world-renowned scientist and militant atheist who has opened many eyes to the wonders of the cosmos, while also decrying the negative influences of religion throughout the history of humankind.

I am enthralled with Dawkins’ explanations of how the physical world works, but find him surprisingly unsophisticated in his understanding of metaphysics – he sees the dark underbelly of religion but fails to see its beauty, goodness, or truth – which seems very “unscientific” a position to take.

In any case, as Dawkins once described the subatomic world with the phrase, “anything is possible,” my eyes were re-opened to the wonders of the universe that God has made.  Contrary to Dawkins intention, “anything is possible,” opens the door to all sorts of miracles.  By faith I had always assumed that God could do anything, but when a celebrated scientist confirmed the endless possibilities that exist in creation, I had to pause in awe of a God who indeed made a world in which “anything is possible.”  The blind may see, the lame walk, stormy seas grow calm, and stony hearts become tender.  Miracles happen. 

More recently, I was attending a retreat in which the leader, Nicole Greer, asked us to draw a line representing the continuum of our lives, and then to mark an “X” where we thought we were in our lives.  The participants were of different ages, so our “X’s” were in different places, but I was estimating that I had another 35 years or so left in my life.  And then Nicole said, “What can you do in 35 years?”  And I couldn’t help responding, “Almost anything.”  Anything is possible.  I have worked as a pastor for almost 29 years.  So, what could I do with another 35 years?  Well, almost anything is possible. 

I was amazed at how that simple exercise opened my eyes to how many open doors I might still go through.  In 35 years I could even go back to school and learn something completely new.  In 35 years I could learn how to build cedar strip canoes and kayaks (a secret yearning).  In 35 years I could mentor or tutor several children who are struggling in school.  In 35 years, wow!  Anything is possible.

I suspect most of us live with the sense that each passing year closes more doors and limits our options more and more, so that we begin to feel hemmed in by our limitations (speaking metaphysically – our mortality).  But Nicole Greer and Richard Dawkins helped me see that there is no need to feel such constraints.  We are free to choose a new path.  The door is open.  Anything is possible.