Here's to another year and to all the blessings which have been bestowed. Holiday travel was priceless; time with friends and family, irreplaceable. Ok, well the travel, maybe priceless is not the word, but the quality time, definitely irreplaceable.
As I look back at the time that has passed, I am thankful for more than words can say. I pray that as time continues to pass, my heart is and always will be in a state of gratitude. My holiday readings have lead me to believe that one has to look back to move forward, or possibly just around. It's hard to not be cliche this time of the year and for all the talk of new beginnings and fresh outlooks, it seems as though not much change or simply the new year's "refreshment" is short-lived. Maybe each month we should have such a benchmark to evaluate the quality of life? But does life truly allow a person the time to do such?
What a shame. Oh, did I answer that question?
Where are we in life that we can't live? There are so many coulda, woulda, shouldas. And with examining each one it seems as though a person is not in a place of improvement or growth, but lingering to some extent, indefinitely. Again, is that where we are to be? "To be or not to be?" To linger or live?
My brother aggravatingly noted over a holiday meal that most "cutting edge art" these days is saying the same things it always has...we have problems. Sounds cutting edge to me. But how about state something we don't already know, suggestions for truly something cutting edge, new, successful, even disastrous. We don't dare do that though. Lingering comfortably in our fear and concern for the state of the world and the inevitable crisis approaching is a much better state in which to live. Now, I apologize to him for my lacking and possibly somewhat skewed summary of his comments, yet honestly, what would this world look like if we stopped dwelling and wallowing in the hurts of the world? I am not suggesting ignorance or apathy, living beyond our means or putting our heads under a pillow. But I place before you the opposite, life. Conversely living aware, open to what is currently transpiring within our communities and beyond what our flat screen, plasma box of emotion or articles of fear (online or paper) lead us to believe. Have we stopped thinking and coming to our own conclusions entirely? Do we question if possibly the box could be wrong?
Now I understand that opinions may differ and people will clash, but is not firsthand experience and application two of the best practices of learning? Does learning not aid growth? Is not growth a part of life?
I hate the stereotypical technology debate. Is Technology helping or harming our world? I feel as though the subject of the question is incorrect. I believe it would be better if stated as, Is the user of technology helping or harming the world? Is the user/operator of _________________ helping or harming the world? We as humans have power and choice. We were all given minds and talents. We are living in a world of "endless opportunities". Such things are unfortunately not accessible to all people, yet the truth still lies in not what, but who and how. Who is acting how, with what intentions?
People have been witness to unimaginable travesty throughout history, and sadly, more of those times are imminent. Nevertheless, it is inevitable that joyous times are here and will continue to come. Who and how. Who are we and how are we spending our time, using our talents?
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
To what are we committed? To the greater good, which we too will benefit, or the small sphere in which we operate everyday? We desire our lives to be fruitful and joyous, however we lose sight that the life we live in not just a small community, but a larger world. There are intimately tied, eternally effecting the other. There is no escaping the world, people, culture, life. At times we try so desperately, yet is that not what we are earnestly seeking?
"Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all of these things shall be given unto you." All people have life; we all seek to love, be loved and live in that love. Why is it that we fight when what we seek is love? Again, who and how? Gandhi was a smart man. "Be the change you wish to see in world." A young man I ran with in high school said, "Don't talk about it, BE about it." If we want love, we need to be love. All Jesus did was love. And if you love him or hate him, he loved. Enough to die to show and share his love with anyone who is willing to recognize it. You don't have to like him, but there is no denying, He was and still is the ultimate exemplar of what we all so desperately seem to be seeking. In His kingdom there is no fire and brimstone, no alienation, no sword, just life. He promises Life. A life. God brought it here openly to share with the world.
I pray that each of us live openly sharing what we seek to find in this new year.
