The Butterfly Effect Yesterday the traffic on Interstate 75 slowed in all three south-bound lanes. Then it stopped altogether. I imagined an accident ahead, maybe a jackknifed semi-truck blocking all lanes. Then gradually the traffic started up again. Soon we were moving at normal speeds. After several miles of observing I could see no sign that there had been an accident, a closed lane, or any other obstacles. This gave credence to an article I had recently read that indicated how one car applying brakes, perhaps to move into another lane, can cause a serious slow-down in all the traffic. As that driver puts his/her foot on the brake, the following car does the same. Pretty soon others also slow down just to be cautious. In chaos theory, as well as in many works of fiction, there is what is called the butterfly effect. As the butterfly flaps its wings, the theory goes, there are tiny changes that can cause catastrophic responses elsewhere. Im not sure that a butterfly moving its wings can create a typhoon across the globe. But I do believe that those things we do create an impact on others. Good deeds and kind words make a difference to people we may not even know. Sadly, the devastation that comes from hurtful words or actions also goes wider and deeper than we expect. This does not mean I am not going to slow down on the highway when it is necessary. But I will try to think through what I say and do as to how it can affect others. Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good. Romans 12:21 Rev. Herb Weber
Posted on: Wed, 22 Jan 2014 16:48:40 +0000