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Small Changes Can Have Huge Consequences

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For most of us, who struggle to bring more order into our lives, the scientific term ‘chaos theory' sounds discouraging.  This trendy area of science had its origins in the study of weather patterns -- something notoriously difficult to predict.  A meteorologist called, Ed Lorenz, discovered that small changes in the initial conditions, could, over long periods of time, produce disproportionate effects and completely new patterns.

He called this finding the "butterfly effect."  He stated that "the flap of a butterfly's wings in Brazil, may set off a tornado in Texas."

Chaos theory shows that not everything obeys simple linear laws, while small changes yield correspondingly small results.  Chaotic systems develop their own sort of pattern.  They produce chaos with shape, and eventually show a particular order, called a fractal.

Chaotic effects, in which small changes are multiplied rather than added, and in which small deviations can have vast effects, occur in many parts of biology, ecology, and economics.  It may be the rise and fall of commodity prices, or changes in the weather.  We find that diagrams showing either price fluctuations or weather patterns, when plotted from year to year, show a shape which reflects the more finely grained diagrams, the fractals, of monthly or weekly changes.

So next time someone says life is chaotic, remind them that chaos theory in science finds some shape underlies much apparent disorder.

MOVING BEYOND MATTER
 by Christopher Shennan

Chaos in life and nature force us to think of counter measures.  What can we do when chaos in one form or another seems to blow into our lives?

Ships at sea resort to an anchor, and other seagoing strategies, to counteract the sudden chaos of a storm.  People living in areas subject to frequent earthquakes, give a lot attention to the foundations of their houses.  When the chaos of war hovers over a city, people flee to bomb shelters, usually underground and re-enforced with concrete.  Simply put, "Look for something solid to rely on or hide under."  We look for solid foundations and safe structures.

We don't have to be in physical danger to scurry for a safe haven.  Emotional and spiritual chaos can cause us to do the same thing.  When a marriage breaks up, when a child goes missing, when a secure job evaporates, when an old friend betrays us - good foundations and safe havens are essential to our survival.  Not those made of rock or steel.  No, the foundations we need at these times are made of character, principle, faith, and honour.

The antidote to chaos is order.

Chaos brings confusion, order brings purpose and confidence.  Order draws clear boundaries, enabling us to clearly map out a course of action.  When we are confused we are apt to make bad decisions and end up with regrets.  To survive a period of chaos we must be able to retrieve some sense of order, or we will flounder.

The Bible represents God as a God of order, not of confusion.  He is described as a shelter from the storm, protection from heat, a fortress against enemies, and a very present help in time of trouble.

When chaos descends upon our private or public world, God, Himself may be our only option.