Michael Dowd's Thank God for Evolution

It is an undeniable fact that when my family and I are out--grocery shopping, dining out, shopping, watching a movie--there is a restrained excitement for my part, and an unspeakable evasiveness for my parents'. While I am hopeful that I might get a chance to buy a new book, my parents usually avoid the recreational, commercial areas where I could easily see the big street signs of either Barnes&Noble or Borders. If they find it inevitable, they have this rude habit of steering me away from the books section. My mum makes her pssst-aaaahhh. My dad summons me back to his side. And I mumble (rant, if I find a possible book) why they always take me away from my happy place. And ask them why they don't ever invest in my sanity when I mostly need it... to no avail, mind you.

A few months ago, we were at Fry's, and I immediately separated from my parents to go look at the beautifully stacked books. Even if I don't have the money to buy it, I go anyway because simply flipping through and inhaling the smell of pages makes me ascend to my own little nirvana. So anyway, I was about to find my parents when I caught a glimpse of "...God...Evolution." I stopped in my tracks. Interesting, much? It really caught my attention, and I couldn't help wondering why God and evolution were both on the same phrase. Obviously people have been talking about God and evolution in the same sentences. However, those were literally conflicting sentences that go back and forth until it doesn't make sense anymore. Those kind of sentences was much more common to me, which is why the title of the book was mind-boggling to me. I couldn't figure out whether the author was being ironic and satirical or he was being sincere and genuine.

There was only one solution. I had to buy it. But the thing is, I didn't want to mess up a mundane yet happy and blissful day with my parents, which was a possibility if my dad shook his head. So, I set the book down, turned my frown into a smile, and searched for my parents half-heartedly... not knowing that I would come across that book again in the following months.

Indeed, good things come to those who wait.

I was supposed to be studying for my ACTs this Saturday, but I spent some time today just caressing the pages of Michael Dowd's Thank God for Evolution. I got it yesterday from the same shelf where I had put back the one I took out. I don't know if this is the same book or not, but it doesn't matter. And yesterday, while I was just looking at it, I saw that its book cover was sticky and dirty with some unidentifiable marks. Normally, I would have been furious because of the damage. I consider it a crime. But I was just glad that my mum bought it for me. She didn't even argue with me. And I couldn't see a sign of restrained annoyance or something. And she isn't one of those people who've mastered the art of a poker face.

I started reading it this afternoon, and tonight I came across this: "...the more I learn about this amazing Universe, the more awesome my God becomes!" I couldn't help smiling because it's so true. I find myself easily relating to the parishioner who testified this.

I've always been a curious person, and I love learning (and anything to do with it)! Also, when I was a sixteen, I had written how I was more of a to-see-is-to-believe person. So, I had identified myself on science's side of the spectrum. But lately, thanks to Hebrews 11:1 (Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see, NIV), I'm slowly edging towards to something definitely better. I'm just really happy to see this self-transformation. And because of God's help I was able to change at all, to someone better.

And ever since my walk with God, I've come to strongly believe that everything-happens-for-a-reason-according-to-His-plan-in-His-timeline, and that everything-we-have-going-on-earth-and-in-our-lives-all-go-back-to-God-in-some-shape-or-form-or-another. Having this book in my hands is proof of it, because I'd realized while contemplating on what I had read so far that:

I've been having unanswered questions in my head lately about a lot of things, and I've been hoping (not even pray!) for answers. But tonight, I felt like I will find some of my answers in Michael Dowd's book.

God knows and understands our innermost needs and wants. And He is truly the magnificent provider. Even if you're not humble enough to ask for it, or you don't think He has the capabilities to make things work just how you like it... He will make it happen if it is what's best for you and others, in His time, of course.