God has a purpose for everything and everyone; nothing is meaningless

As a parent, one of the things that I enjoy the most is reading to my kids. There are the silly crafted phrases of Dr. Seuss, the outrageous shenanigans of talking animals. With each book there is another adventure, another discovery, another spark of imagination.

Some ventures in reading have come from the creative discoveries of science. One in particular is an adventure of discovering the intricate details of the senses: sight, taste, touch, hearing and smell.

Each one of the senses is extremely intricate. Sound enters the ear canal and crosses the ear drum on its way to the brain so we can hear "Good morning, sunshine."

The eyes have many layers. An image is registered backward on the retina, only to be placed-right side-up in the mind, allowing us to see the sunrise and safely drive to our favorite coffee shop.

Every sense, every muscle, fiber, tissue and cell is detailed and intricate. Each serves its own design and function.

Everything carries its own purpose. "The Lord has made everything for its own purpose," the writer of Proverbs 16:4 reminds us.

The ear can never replace the purpose of the eye. The function of the tongue can never be exchanged for the touch of the hand. Each bears its own purpose, formed and crafted by the master artist.

The Lord has created the universe with such intricate details and each serving its own purpose. If everything has its own purpose, nothing is purposeless. Lives and relationships have meaning.

Even the circumstances that are beyond our control such as illnesses that leave us debilitated, events in which we are the victim, the cruelty of others inflicted upon us — even tragedy serves a purpose. We may go through our entire lives never understanding the reason behind the tragedies we face.

But if we choose to live with the foundational understanding that no matter what occurs, there is a reason for it, we begin to see that reason. Slowly, after the passing of time, conversation and reflection, meaning begins to be seen.

We are crafted with so much purpose-filled detail.

Rob Hurtgen is a husband, father and serves as the associate pastor at the First Baptist Church in Jackson.