just thinkin'

I envy the building in this picture! This building was constructed in the 15th century from the huge stone blocks that were once one of the seven wonders of the world--The Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria. The lighthouse had stood for hundreds of years until it was finally knocked down by a large earthquake. It had been a formidable structure, the lighthouse. It stood taller than those we know today, and burned just as brightly without the use of electricity, and It could be seen an estimated 30 miles out to sea. However, in time, without proper care, the sea ate away at it, weakening it, and when the first heavy earthquake rumbled along, it was toppled like a great Herculian hero made lame by the opposer's sword, and lay in a heap at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. Some centuries later the Fort was built as a means to fortify the port. It has been standing as Fort Qait Bey since, and will most likely stand for another 600 years.
I look at this photo and I see strength and protection, and inside myself, I wish that I could be so fortified. I feel as though I am the remains of the lighthouse, shaken and fallen because of the erosion of life. Isn't life odd, sometimes? When you think you are larger than life, and you feel that you have the "strength to do it all", something comes along that seems to know your weakness and down you go. The weakness, however, is something that you didn't count on...something that crept up on you silently. Oh, but wait. It crept, indeed, but not suddenly, as a gust of wind. No, it was something overlooked, that went unnoticed, and slowly, quietly "eroded" the foundation of your strength or your faith. That's how I feel at this very moment, toppled from my foundation, weakened and destroyed. But, I'm still trying to figure out which one of my weaknesses caused this, or was it all of them? I know that until I pinpoint the cause of my demise, I will never be able to build my Fort. Because, it is in the learning that the weakness becomes strong. What is it that God is trying to teach me right now? Why? (And "yes!" I believe that He not only allows us to ask "why?", but he encourages it. This is how we get his answers at times.) I need to build this Fort. I need this strength, and there's only one way to get it...La Illaha il Allah. There is only one God. He seems to have all the answers.