Combining Math, Science, Astronomy and God

This follows from a note that Elizabeth Campbell wrote. Since I worked on my 25 random things this morning, I'm in a writing 'zone' or something, I guess. That's probably good, since school starts Monday. Before I get to my subject, perhaps part of why I'm writing is to take my mind off of what I'm in Madera to do. My friend's mom just passed and we are going through her mom's house, helping her keep what she wants, getting rid of junk, figuring out what to sell, etc. (This was part of my hoarding comments in the 25 things.) It's one of those things that must be done and which no one enjoys. I'm very grateful that I have a few days to be able to help her through this ordeal, hopefully helping her make it more manageable.

I have always seen God in the universe (and in big numbers, which directly follows for me). I think that that was/is a big part of my interest/attraction to astronomy. I feel like I have a small glimpse of what infinity means, because I have spent years contemplating the immensity of the universe.

Earth is small, as far as the universe (or even our own solar system, for that matter), goes, but it is, as far as we know yet, the only place where intelligent folks live. (I actually include dolphins in the 'folks' category. They have language, community groupings, etc.) I hope to be alive when we find other folks. We are each unique, though: number 1 in our own way. Even twins who have the same DNA are not even physically completely identical.

When I teach astronomy, I talk about the very big and the very small. Stars, immense as they are, use the energy of fusion - protons combining with protons to make Helium from Hydrogen. God is infinite, yet He knows each of us intimately. God doesn't forget anyone or anything in Her entire creation. This is actually why I think that there has to be intelligent life outside of Earth. If God truly is infinite, why would there be just one planet w/ sentient beings?

My astronomy mentor, Laurance Doyle, once gave this really great analogy to describe smallness versus uniqueness:
If all of the humans on the planet held hands and jumped into the ocean, it would rise 0.1 mm. Physically we are completely insignificant.
If you had a diamond that was the only one in a room, that might or might not be seen as important. If you had the only diamond in a city, perhaps that would be notable to some. If you had the only diamond on the planet, you would be seen as rich and special. You are the only you in the universe. You are truly blessed, interesting and important, because you are truly unique. Scripture says that the very hairs of our head are all numbered. God cares not just about us as individuals, but knows about the minutiae of our lives. God shows us what to know when we need to know it (if we're listening) and puts folks to help us along our path when we need it (often even if we're not listening).

I studied astronomy because of the glimpses of God's diversity and infinitude that it allowed me. After enough years, though, I realized that I just wanted to know God better, so I'm pursuing other paths that, I hope, will help me along that way. I still have a great deal to learn about how to go about sharing my experiences with God with others, so that they feel free to share theirs with me. I get confused about my purpose, sometimes, though, and start to try to get others to think like me. While I think that my path is right for me, who am I to try to convince someone else to take my path? (Hmm, things to ponder.)

I've got to go, but hopefully I'll come back to this subject - a bunch. It's one of my favorites, combining my two academic loves (and my soon to be two masters' - go figure).