Under the Bridge

Did some work on a Rolls Royce Corniche the other day. Initially I was quite rapt and pleased to be working on such a prestigious machine. As I explored the clever (though stupidly over-engineered) braking system and lent over the $15K grill to set the ignition timing I could appreciate the reputation these cars have for quality and class. But after the the intrigue had worn off and I started to notice the leaking gearbox, dripping self levelling system, corroded hoses and a piece of blue tack stopping the window rattling it struck me that even the best things in this world turn to crap without constant maintenance.

And that’s how things are. Without an input to maintain order and function everything deteriorates until it can no longer function. Rolls Royces, Kias, trees, animals, humans, stars, all wearing out. Isaiah says  “Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail.” (51.6).

I look forward to a day when things stop dying and decay can no longer work. When everything  has greater than Rolls Royce prestige and quality and appearance will be what actually is. Until then, whether we are a grotty Rolls or a sparkling Deawoo we all face the physical decay and reality of a dying world. What does that lead us to?