Remember these little magnetic Scottish terriers popular years ago? Less than an inch long, they were black and white plastic dogs, each standing on a small bar magnet, I see that for just a couple bucks they are still available in stores and on the Internet.
Because of the invisible forces between them, magnets have always had a power to fascinate. Perhaps that is why so many different types of magnetic toys are available-toys that appeal to adults as well as children. In fact, some magnetic toys have such powerful magnets that they are not recommended for small children.
Discussions of magnetism go back to the earliest Greek philosophers. We can guess that when ancient peoples found minerals with natural magnetic fields they started playing with them. Pieces of magnetite or load stone could be suspended in ways that they were used as magnetic compasses. Since that humble but useful beginning, magnetic components are now integral parts of everything from electric motors to audio and video tape players, speakers, microphones, computer data storage disks, and the credit card magnetic strip that records your personal data.
I am told that magnetism originates with the spin of electrons. In most materials, the spin of electrons is random so that it cancels itself out. But when the spin of electrons is oriented’ and organized, then the material will have magnetic effects. That is why we can make magnets out of cobalt, nickel, certain rare earth minerals, and a variety of other elements. Just get the spins organized and the attraction happens.
The most powerful attraction in the universe is the drawing power of the Father’s relentless and unconditional love. That God does not force Himself on me or demand my attention is harder for me to understand than trying to grasp the basis for the magnetic power inherent in the spin of elementary particles. The reality is that God draws me to Himself with a power that cannot be broken except through my own choice.