Microscope Vs. Radar

My son once said that the rational mind is a wonderful servant, but a horrible master. There are things in our world that cannot be measured or logically outlined yet which make a huge difference to outcomes. Whether you think of those things as angels or psychological quirks, something puts a twist in the cause/effect chain of human life. All faculties must be used in charting our reality as best we can.

It struck me that examining the material of the physical world is like using a microscope. I can bring a relatively small object under the close scrutiny of my eye and conscious observation. It helps me get familiar with the subject. But to see the big picture takes a different instrument. I was going to say, a telescope since it helps bring the horizon closer. Now on further thought, I’d say “radar.” A radar helps us see 360. It gives us an awareness of what is around us. But like the radar, our faith, intuition, emotional intelligence, etc. may alert us to a "blip," but they do not provide the details and clarity of the microscope. Still, national defense would suffer if we limited ourselves to the clarity of the microscope.

To be fully attentive means to use each instrument available, and history has proven that faith has been a great complement to accurate perception and social action.