how big is God?

I have been quite captivated by the sad story of the tragedy in the Pennsylvania Amish community this week. The story itself is horrific and terrifying, especially to a parent of two (3!) children, the oldest of which is just a year away from going to school every day. In addition to the three nationally covered school tragedies in the past few weeks, a local Christian school associated with our church was also the scene of a shooting. Although this did not involve any students, except the one who came to the campus after the school day was over with a weapon, it has made me realize the potential for sin to attack my family at every and any turn.
In the case of the shooting in Pennsylvania, I have been more drawn in by the whole Amish community, and their amazing response to the way their lives have been torn apart by the very world from which they distance themselves. The stories coming out of Pennsylvania in which the families are forgiving the killer, and reminding each of us that we should not approach him with more disgust that we should probably approach the sin that is in each of us. It seems that this is forgiveness beyond any human capability, and beyond what we should honestly be willing to give out. But, we are reminded of how much we must forgive those who sin against us.
On the other side of the "God" factor in this story is the anger that the killer had for God after the premature death of his child 20 years ago. In no way do I say this to justify what he did. His actions were terrible and horrific, and a man that is that far gone is probably better dead, for his own benefit and society's benefit. But it does remind me of the anger and hurt that I have felt when we lost our children. I certainly can relate how that anger, and that result of sin can also tear at a man's heart.
I am not quite sure how God all fits together in this - on one side, there is a God that is so big, that His Spirit allows these simple, Christ-driven people to forgive such an evil action. On the other side, because of sin, there is a man driven by anger and hatred towards God to commit such a evil act.
It is really interesting, because I think this story brings the world back to a very basic fact - that God and our desire to worship God is at the center of everything and anything that goes on in our world. Our desire to worship can either drive us to a point where we are so angered and hurt, that we refuse to worship, or our desire to worship can drive us to a point where our love for God and our worship of Him is so complete, that we can forgive incredible evil.
To me, that makes God a pretty big God.

we're loyal to you Illinois....

You know, anymore, the opportunity for me, as a University of Illinois graduate, to write a up-beat, positive blog during football season is pretty rare. So in honor of my Fighting Illini overcoming the 26 point spread and beat a Big 10 team on the road, I want to share this clip. Honestly, I can't quite make sense of what is happening here, but it follows an attempt by the Illinois team to "plant their flag" on the MSU football field. Sounds pretty stupid, but you know, I wasn't the brightest bulb in the box during my college years either.
Anyways, if you're Illini fan - enjoy. If you're an MSU fan - sorry, but it's been a few years since we've beaten you. To every season, turn, turn, turn....