Scott writes, Despite overwhelming everyday evidence to the contrary, most Americans seem to persist in believing that life will routinely be predictable and fair. How this notion of life's basic reasonableness survives in the chaotic world we live in is a mystery to me. The spiritual secret to successfully getting through life as it actually comes to us lies in our ability to keep our hearts supple before life's unexpected and unwelcome surprises. Knowing how to golf with monkeys also helps! Yes, there is a story, but you're going to have to come to church to hear it. Scott Alexander is senior minister of River Road Unitarian Church in Bethesda, Maryland. Music: Victor Lawrence, cello