DWV: Because at 71 I am in still in near perfect health and a lot of my friends who are nearly all younger than I am are suffering, some with terminal diseases and I feel guilty...

GOD: Really!

DWV: Yes really.

GOD: What exactly would you like me to do?

DWV: Maybe wave a cosmic magic wand and make 'em all whole.

GOD: And that would make you would fell less guilty?

DWV: Definitely.

GOD: Are you sure it would end there?

DWV: Probably not, but it would be a good start. Look, it was St. Augustine who said, "I know why you don't have a lot of friends. Look at the way you treat the ones you got."

GOD: I know what Augustine said...and if you knew where he was now joyfully worshipping me, you wouldn't be repeating that nonsense.

DWV: It does seem that way when I think of people I know and love dying while real douchebags like Spong, Robinson, Bruno, and Jefferts Schori, to name but a few, go around destroying your church and you seem to be ignoring the damage they are doing.

GOD: That's what you think?

DWV: I'm just a reporter. I look at the evidence and it is not very compelling for those of us who are trying to stay faithful to you!

GOD: Well, let me tell you just one part of the problem with that whole argument.

DWV: Do tell!

GOD: First of all I see the BIG picture and you don't...You see only a part of history. I see the WHOLE picture....the whole of history. I am also the alpha and the omega, the first and the last...

DWV: That strikes me as a cop out...

GOD: Listen. Don't talk!

DWV: Sorry.

GOD: You're forgiven. How would you like to spend ten minutes on a cross? My Son had three hours bearing the sins of the world...He could tell you a thing or two about suffering.

DWV: And your point is?

GOD: Sooner or later, pain is coming your way.

DWV: And that's supposed to make me feel good?

GOD: When did you last read 2 Corinthians 4:17 "...For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."

DWV: I'm familiar with the verse.

GOD: Think "momentary light affliction" (another rendering).

DWV: It helps.

GOD: Good. Thank me for your good health, leave the others to me and go back to work. Pray for your friends...and I may or may not answer your prayers or theirs. I'm in control. And if you really feel like whining again, go read some of David's Psalms. He is much better at complaining than you are.

END