What are the odds?

Have you ever seen the television show, Young Sheldon? It is a spin-off from the widely popular show The Big Bang Theory. Young Sheldon follows the childhood of the character Sheldon Cooper, a theoretical physicist.  Sheldon lives with his family in a middle-class Texan neighborhood in the 80s. He has an older brother and a twin sister. His father is the local football coach, and his mother is a devoted Christian woman.  Sheldon’s Mee-maw (played by the amazing Annie Potts) lives across the street. Sheldon is a genius, extremely smart but socially awkward with any number of phobias to choose from, particularly germs, dirt, and dogs.  At the beginning of the series, he is only 9 years old and entering high school where it is hoped that he will be more intellectually challenged.  Hilarity often ensures.  I’m watching the show with my son who is of the same age as Sheldon, and I am delighted to be watching a family friendly sitcom we can both enjoy…they don’t make those much anymore.  We are only in season two (so no spoilers) but I hope it remains appropriate so we can enjoy it together. 

In one episode the family receives word that a young teenager in the community has been killed in a car accident.  This shakes the faith of his devout southern Baptist mother to the core.  She confesses to her mother that she cannot wrap her mind around the patent, pithy saying that “its all in God’s plan.”  Furthermore, she says, “how could it be that their daughter is ‘in a better place,’ what could be better than living her life at home with her family?”  I’ve felt those same feelings a lot since last summer and the loss of my dear friend.  How could any place be better than at home raising her two daughters? 

At the end of the episode, Sheldon approaches his mom on the porch; expressing that he is scared because his mother isn’t acting like herself.  He looks up at the sky and the following conversation ensues:

Sheldon: Did you know that if gravity were slightly more powerful the universe would collapse into a ball?

Mom: I did not.

Sheldon: Also, if gravity were slightly less powerful, the universe would fly apart and there would be no stars or planets?

Mom: Where are you going with this, Sheldon?

Sheldon: It’s just that gravity is precisely as strong as it needs to be. And if the ratio of the electromagnetic force to the strong force wasn’t one percent, life wouldn’t exist. What are the odds that would happen all by itself?

Mom: Why are you trying to convince me to believe in God? You don’t believe in God.

Sheldon: I don’t. But the precision of the universe at least makes it logical to conclude there is a Creator.

Mom: Baby, I appreciate what you’re trying to do but logic is here (points to her mind) and my problem is in here (points to her heart).

Sheldon: Well, there are five billion people on this planet and you’re the perfect mom for me. What are the odds of that?

At that she hugs Sheldon and says, “Thank you Lord for this little boy.”  To which Sheldon replies, “I knew I could fix it.”

I don’t know how the universe was created for certain.  And I don’t know a lick about the science behind most things. We often say that we need only look to creation to believe that God exists, and Sheldon points that out to his mom too.  But the real sign of the Creator’s existence for Mary is in the people around her. I wonder if we shouldn’t be taking more time to pay attention and seek God in each other. For there to be billions of people on the planet and our lives intersect with certain people in specific places and times, molding and shaping our lives and faith.  What are the odds of that?