I got to thinking about polar coordinates recently (bear with me!). We first learn how to map points in a plane using (x,y) values. These are Cartesian coordinates. Then we learn about about a different system where points are described using the pair (r, θ), where r (rho in Greek) is the point’s distance or radius from the origin, and θ (pronounced “theta”) is the point’s angle from the positive x-axis. These are Polar coordinates. Using vector terminology, r is the point’s magnitude, while θ is it’s direction. All good. So what gets me thinking about this?
The other day at church my ears perked up when they heard another of Father Marty’s little proverbs: “God provides the wind, but man must raise the sail.” Actually, that quote doesn’t come from Father Marty, but from our church’s patron saint, St Augustine. It’s an interesting little adage, and one that merits some reflection. So many times in our lives we doubt the way forward and whether we’ll have the strength to get there. When those times visit us, however, all we need do is pause for a moment, and raise our sail. Because the strength and direction we need to navigate our lives doesn’t come from within ourselves: God’s happy to supply these in full measure so long as we’re open to receive them.
And what are strength and direction other than simply a pair of polar coordinates: (r, θ)? 🙂 Indeed, aren’t these the very things we pray for in the Our Father, that is, to know God’s will, and be given the daily nourishment to live it?
Rho, Theta. Not just polar coordinates, but words to live by.