Author: willishmoore (Page 12 of 26)

It is rather humbling to realize that each of us is about 60% water; Yet. That fact does not mean you are without substance. It does underscore the reality that water is essential for life. Per US Geological Survey, even your bones are 22% water;

Not all water is potable, as you likely know, for whenever there is a water-main break, Watershed Management notifies everyone within the affected area; boil water for consumption (and sometimes for personal care), use bottled water for drinking and cooking. Microbes and other contaminants find a comfortable home in water, sometimes posing lethal threats to living organisms.

The Ancient Mariner was condemned to sail the sea alone. Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote these immortal words—“Water-water everywhere, nor any drop to drink…” (The Rime of the Ancient Mariner). The essential need for, and the key role of water, does not mean that all water is consumable. That very predicament is writ large across the national news as I write this. A train derailment, spilt burning toxic contaminants into soil and water. The overarching concern seems to be how much and how long local wells and water supply will be affected.

On the other hand, we have come a long way clearing our streams and lakes of toxins as well as other contamination—there is still a long way to go, but steps are underway. Boating and swimming in, and camping beside rivers and streams are pleasant outdoor adventures; made possible and inviting through conservation efforts of leaders whose compelling visions are being realized.

Good, clean water is not a luxury; it is a necessity. We are learning from many past mistakes. I grew up on the Fall Line in middle Georgia. I remember two artesian wells in our community, one of which was on my greatgrand father’s farm. These wells were drilled, I was told, “…for the War Effort….” We called them “flowing wells.” For years they flowed freely—each from pipes a softball could roll through. Decades ago, in South Georgia near the Golden Isles Freeway, there were numbers of artesian wells; those too, flowed freely day and night. Most of those wells are now dry, or nearly so. The water table has dropped dramatically.

The Children of Israel, escaping cruel captivity in Egypt, found themselves in darkening circumstances in the wilderness—-due to the lack of water. It posed a crisis not unlike the one they had faced at the Reed Sea, being chased by Pharaoh’s legions. Moses convinced these pilgrims that God still cared for them as he appealed to God on their behalf. In the interesting dialogue between Jesus and his cousin John, it is made clear that river water be instrumental in commissioning Jesus into his earthly ministry.

In the Bible, water is inseparable from life; Both creation stories in the Book of Genesis (chapter 1 and chapter 2) begin with water, and its relationship to land and its inhabitants. For Christians the rite of Baptism, water is a metaphor for God’s blessing.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

.

Is there any greater treasure than a book? Paige, my late wife, and my daughter, both logged many hours as Elementary school teachers; were laser-focused on books. They said, “give a child a book Any book, and it unlocks myriad galaxies—for life.” Some folks try to ban books. Banning a book is like daming up a stream just because you don’t want it to soak your shoes. I have always loved books. I saw a Meme on Facebook–a stylized picture of a bookmobile emblazoned with “The Banded Book Bus—-headed to conservative neighborhoods.”

My grandmother, an elementary school teacher, sent books to me and my sister on special occasions—birthdays, Christmas, Easter, or for no reason at all. When I was a student at Emory University, my constant expense, beyond tuition, was books—- (other that textbooks.)! I keep at least one book in my car, in case I have to wait somewhere; and there are books everywhere in my house.

Decades ago, Johnny Standley had a comedy routine called “Little Bo Peep,” in which he did a running, humorously torqued commentary on Little Bo Peep, ending each line, saying “—It’s in the book!”—each time leaving the audience in stitches. A good book—even entertaining books authenticate much of life’s experience. Of course, simply because “Its in the book,” doesn’t make it true, accurate, or enduring per se. Nevertheless, reading can do wonders for a person’s mental, emotional, and social processes.

I find it interesting that banning a book tends to whet appetites for reading that very book. Psychologists call this phenomenon, “paradoxical intervention”. It can be accidental—as in book banning—or intentional, as when a parent cannot stand a child’s new hair color, praises it—in hope it will drive the kid to change it—hoping to annoy the parent by doing that very thing.

Of course you wouldn’t stuff your reading time with trash, anymore than you would go into a grocery store on a limited budget stuffing your cart with shiny, cheap, trashy material. Books are like that; the budget you have is time. A day has only 24 hours, and no one knows how many days one has. So, choice enters the picture. At my age, and I’m older than dirt, I am still learning to read–better, more efficiently (not “speed-reading” a contradiction in terms), and more productively.

The best books enlighten the soul. It is interesting that the eyes serve a major role in character development; what you see, and process becomes a part of you; —depending on how you process it. In turn, the eyes reflect your character—the person you have become. Jesus pointed that out. The concept is underscored by Psychologist, William James; A (person) is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts. Ponder that!

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

Quadragesima–is Latin for “Fortieth” and represents Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter—observed by more than a dozen Christian denominations. The season commemorates the 40 days Jesus endured Satan’s temptations while in the wilderness. Three of the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke describe this encounter. The Liturgical calendar of these denominations observe Lent in various ways of conformance, practice a variety of Spiritual Disciplines.

A typical practice is that of fasting; even ways of fasting vary. A mild, but not the most extreme sacrifice, is fasting, giving up food; pausing one’s favorite excess, such as chocolate, coffee, desert, etc. I grew up in a small rural Methodist church—the only seasons of the Christian year we observed were Christmas and Easter. I learned about Lent in high school; a fellow Methodist from the town church observed Lent by fasting, sacrificing her favorite indulgence, chewing gum. Yes, it WAS a sacrifice for her!

But I digress. The season of Lent, throughout Christianity, presents a plethora of opportunities for observing of the season. Lent always begins on Ash Wednesday, 40 days before Easter—date of which is determined by “the first Sunday after the full Moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox.” The math gets complicated: six days are added to the 40, because in the liturgical calendar, Sundays are not counted—they are Holy Days.

Now we get to the fun part. (if you’re not already having fun!) Before Ash Wednesday, comes Shrove Tuesday, sometimes called “Fat Tuesday”—Mardi Gras, French, for Fat Tuesday. Its meaning has to do with ending eating rich foods before entering Lent with its focus on fasting. Shrove has to do with confession and absolution in preparation, mainly, for the spiritual discipline of fasting. Another term for Fat Tuesday, is Pancake Day—Pancakes were a natural—for that helped empty the cabinets of flour, sugar, and, I guess, syrup—to avoid the temptation of breaking fast. (Pancake houses commandeered the day through calling for a National Pancake Day),

Mardi Gras carnaval is celebrated the world over. Traditions, activities, and the focus of Mardi Gras vary from country to country—and from community to community. Some are closer to the original meaning than others. New Orleans is most likely the most flamboyant celebration in the United States.

The strong spiritual component begins on Ash Wednesday. Here in Atlanta it is common to see, at any time of the day, people with the black smudge of a cross on their forehead. The ashes are the reminder that from dust we were created, and to dust we will return. Some churches have early morning Mass, or other worship services; others spread throughout the day. Where there is a cross in the sanctuary, it is draped with a purple drape, signifying a time of penance.

As for the spiritual discipline of fasting, fhe Gospel of Matthew, goes into detail about Jesus’ fasting in the desert; he successfully deals with all the temptations of Satan. Matthew devotes a third of chapter 4 to the ordeal. The Gospel of Luke, devotes 13 detailed verses to the dialogue between Jesus and Satan; there, too, Jesus stands firm, due to his 40 day gauntlet. The Gospel of Mark, in its classic brevity, devotes two verses to Jesus’ desert trials. In every Gospel account it is clear that the time Jesus spent fasting in the desert, gave him the spiritual strength to overcome the power of Satan. It is no wonder that fasting takes front and center for the spiritual disciplines of the season of Lent.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

Wildlife (not wild life)— Management vs Elimination. You may have noticed that we (humanity) are invaders; wildlife (including insects, etc.) was here first. We invaded their territory and mostly they are not happy about it. Oh, dogs seem pretty happy about it, and cats, well, it depends. However we all are learning to get along—-some better than others. In recent centuries, humanity has taken over a great deal of hature’s habitats; our roadways, cities, agriculture, timber, and development—increasingly encroach on all habitats.

We are accustomed to seeing squirrels, pigeons, all manner of birds, and such in cities and suburbs. Here in Atlanta we see deer, turkeys, beavers, racoons, and coyotes, (those fox-like animals that you used to see only in wild west movies) they are quite common here. As a result, specialized pest control industries have grown up— for deer, rodents, bats, bees, and bears. I repeat, they all were here first.

This contest between humanity and other living things is from the beginning. When God created everything (whether you hold to the story of six days, or to the story of 6 K Billion years)—the story is the same; we are late-comers. moving into their habitats; new neighbors or invaders? Since the dawn of creation, all living things have had to learn, over and over again, how to live peacefully. It ain’t easy. It is necessary.

The Department of Wildlife Damage Management at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, acknowledges our dilemma: People value wildlife for a wide range of reasons. Protection, enhancement, consumption, preservation and aesthetics all have their proponents. Regardless of one’s primary philosophy, there tends to be general agreement that management of damage is necessary when too many of a particular species create negative economic impacts, or health and safety concerns.

These days I’m dealing with that matter of Wildlife—Damage Management vs Elimination—on a much smaller scale; At last, we got a handle on rats that invaded from outside. What a convoluted process! But successful—and $$$. What I now face is a front lawn, thoroughly ploughed by a colony of Moles (That’s the Pest Control guy’s pronouncement!) This task can be manageable. He said.

But I digress; in in my humble opinion, pest control is on lower scale of management. The truth is, we all need each other. We really do. And we need to live in harmony in marvelous symbiotic relationship with all Creation. The Prophet Isaiah describes what has come to be called “The Peaceable Kingdom.” It sounds as idyllic as much as it seems impossible. Yet the Scripture says otherwise; Nothing is impossible for God. Think of things once called “Impossible: Human beings flying, voices transmitted across the earth, human beings walking on the moon, —in reality we live with, and often because of, a world filled with the “impossibles.”

My message is as much to me as to everyone; work on recognizing and appreciating the symbiotic relationship my little plot of earth has with all we who share this green (so far) planet. The Rev. Dr. Albert Schweitzer, noted musician, scientist, and missionary to Africa, held dear “Reverence for life;” —to the point of not killing an ant. Some people don’t go that far. But it gives pause for reflection on the reality of All Creatures Great and Small;—The Lord God loves them all!

All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
‘Twas God that made them all

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

In Case You Missed It, Groundhog Day was yesterday (February 2). Usually I make my annual pilgrimage downtown, pick up a couple of Groundhog sandwiches, and eat with my little Cajun friend at the church. We eat, and catch up on each other’s families; then it is back to work. This year medical appointments and continuing education classes preempted that celebration of Groundhog Day. What are “Groundhog sandwiches,” you ask? Well, it isn’t quite clandestine—they are sandwiches made of ground hog—–widely known as sausage.

I learned that novelty name for sausage from a Methodist church somewhere in Kansas. That church held annual “Ground Hog” dinners as fundraisers; their Groundhog suppers served sausage, pancakes, syrup, etc., and coffee. Crowds from far and near came to enjoy , good food, time together, and the novelty of the day.

I don’t know of anyone now who uses the idea—but I celebrate Groundhog Day annually with ground hog sandwiches. However, many Groundhog celebrations do occur far and wide. I think the most widely known is Punxsutawney Phil; famous for annual TV and intense news media. That little woodchuck in Punxsutawney, PA generates great anticipation in his search for his shadow.

Groundhog Day emerged through centuries of celebrations anticipating Spring. Among the first were Celtic celebrations in early February anticipating Spring. February 2 falls halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It offers a natural occasion of hope from the dead of winter into the dawn of spring. The “Groundhog” image emerged from a German Badger tradition. A significant German population in Pennsylvania helped migrate the term “Groundhog” —a misnomer—from Badger, to Woodchuck, to Groundhog .

Myths and rituals are difficult to disentangle. Myths can help keep a culture vital. By myth, I do not mean fairytales or falsehoods; Merriam-Webster defines myth— a story usually of traditional ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon. Such myths usually offer texture, context, and often humor, to events. Some myths become cherished traditions; in the case of Groundhog Day, North American fun celebrations. Almost no one actually believes that Punxsutawney Phil can give an accurate prognostication of the weather. He can’t. But isn’t it fun!?

Human beings have always tried to foretell future events. Ancient kings usually had some kind of Seer, diviner, or futurist on the Royal Staff. Prior to Samuel anointing Saul King, Saul and his cohorts determined that they should search out a Seer to guide them. The Prophet, Isaiah warned about turning to necromancers to conjure up guidance, instead of seeking wisdom from God.

Followers of Jesus and his disciples often sought to get predictions of the future from him . Jesus pointed out the futility of telling the future. Basically, he said use your powers of observation and your common sense for daily living. The annoying, repetitive scene in the 1993, comedy-movie “Groundhog Day,” was funny—that scene had every day exactly the same! The message of the movie, according to the Chicago Tribune is this;  Life is a gift … you can choose to use it selfishly for personal gain, or you can use it to help others. The choice is up to you.

So maybe you missed celebrating Groundhog Day! Today is now. Live it. Enjoy it! –Have some fun next year on Groundhog Day. Call a friend—or several. Invite them to enjoy some Groundhog Sandwiches with you and friends! And to see if Punxsutawney Phil finds his shadow!

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

One of the first things you might hear about Atlanta, GA is “That Awful Atlanta Traffic!” as if it is our dominant ambience. Traffic here can be horrible, in the same way that there can be sharks at the beach, or bears in the woods. The two big traffic tangles here are “The Downtown Connector”—where I-75 and i-85 travel the same 7.5 mile stretch through, well, downtown; the other is “Spaghetti Junction”—the Northeast interchange at I-85 and the Atlanta Perimeter—I-285. Tales from those two can poison almost any traffic discussion.

I posit that “Hurry” is the silent source of most traffic tangles. I won’t try to diagnose the ills, nor point to possible solutions. I am as guilty as anyone contributing to talk of traffic troubles. So today I point to polite drivers—people who tend to be overlooked, not appreciated; they do exist.

An example; the entrance to our neighborhood comes off a busy through-street. In heavy traffic times it can be difficult to enter or exit the busy street (Or to make a left turn into our neighborhood). I often see polite drivers who stop in their line of traffic to allow another driver to enter the line of traffic. I also try to do that when possible, myself—it is not always safe to do that. But it is a good practice; often drivers offer such courtesy.

Until Paige’s illness, I taught in the AARP Driver Safety Program. We always discussed “Distracted Drivers;” —cell phones and eating etc., also reacting to other drivers—a real No-No! Pay attention to your own driving, your own attitude, situation-awareness. It goes a long way toward safe driving. More drivers show politeness than are given credit.

In fact Jesus had something to say about this; no, Jesus and his disciples did not drive a Honda (Well, they were usually in one Accord!) He said, do not judge, complain, argue with others. He said the likely problem is, you look for wrong in others while letting the trash in your own eye confuse you (RWV Revised Willis Version). Complaining about others only complicates your own thinking and behavior. Don’t do it! Be nice, Jesus said (also RWV).

To a great extent, most of us learn to find “work-arounds”. When we can, we schedule our trip accordingly. “When someone cuts me off, “a friend said, “or speeds on ahead, I toss a quick “dart-prayer” for that person. I do not know what that driver is dealing with.” Paige, my late wife, applied her own aphorism—“Everyone is dealing with something!”

The Apostle Paul told his friends at Philippi that he had learned the secret of contentment. No matter how people treated him, or what circumstances he may be found in, he said, “I have everything I need.” I have known people like that. It is rare, but possible—-possible for all of us; it depends upon one’s own propensity for finding deep faith. I do not mean that faith is some form of Santa Claus, or a panacea.

Viktor Frankl, a German psychiatrist, discovered this among his fellow prisoners in Nazi Concentration Camps. He found that those who had clung to a deep meaning for life tended to thrive—as contrasted with those with no sense of purpose—even though they were physically better off; who usually died. Hope infused with deep purpose is life-giving!

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

Recent winter storms raised the issue of being equipped—on many levels. Snow on travel routes, flood damage to communities, mudslides of all kinds, being dressed for the weather, myriad reasons for being equipped. It matters much to anticipate, plan, prepare, and pack needs for what is, or may be next. I remember fondly, the careful, even meticulous details we planned for every adventure, when I was a Boy Scout leader. As the Scout motto says, “Be prepared;” and we were. Those who weren’t learned for next time—the hard way as in missing a meal if no food was badly planned or not. If harm threatened due to the lack of being prepared, Scout leaders were, and did a rescue.

It is important to be equipped for exigencies that come up in life; First Aid kits, basic emergency tools and equipment for your vehicle etc. When I qualified as a Mission Chaplain in the USAF Civil Air Patrol, we kept a “Go Bag.” It was well supplied with everything that could be needed for as much as a two-day deployment. That equipment stayed “ready” to grab and go. Recently I saw a list of essentials from my ‘Go Bag from years ago— (I was amused at one item; “A roll of dimes.” for an emergency call on a pay-phone–you young folks won’t know what that is!).

In 2014 “Snowmageddon” struck. Metro Atlanta was brought to a standstill. Roadways were covered in 2 1/2 inches of snow. Not so bad per se, but underneath solid ice had frozen most roadways. Folks in distant places laughed at us in Atlanta; “What! You can’t handle a couple of inches of snow?!” they sniffed.

In a large measure, Atlanta was not prepared. It is virtually impossible to maintain ready equipment for every kind of disaster; as almost every community discovers at one time or another. But as most learn (some better than others) planning and equipping goes a long way to survive the assaults of nature—which have been since the beginning of time.

As Moses and Aaron were about to lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt’s bondage into “The Promised Land,” careful precise directions were given to them—to equip them for the travel. It would be a long (40 years) and difficult journey. They would need preparation, direction, and courage, and the assurance that God would be with them. And you know the victory of that enterprise. I am reminded of the Astronauts ‘ preparation for a journey into space; details, repeat, details, repeat…

The Apostle Paul taught the church at Ephesus to prepare for for difficulties they may face, by putting on the whole armor of God. He warned that their life would not be easy, but to equip themselves for what ever may come. Paul, also admonished the church to equip themselves for service to God. There are five passages in the New Testament (all of them from Paul) that speak of being equipped for what comes.

We can have our goals. We can have our hopes. We can even have specific plans; any endeavor must be adequately equipped for successful completion. As the Scouts chant at every Scout meeting! “Be Equipped! (actually, they say, “Be Prepared” —kinda the same thing!)

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

I don’t know about yours, but my rain gauge read 4.5 inches of rain one day last week. That is the most rain I’ve measured since moving here. Weather warnings routinely projected “River Flooding.” Friends spoke of basements flooded. We were wet all around. However, our local woes were far less devastating than in other places in the United States; snow bombs, blizzards in the double digits, flooding, tornadoes, violent winds hit far and wide.

A maxim about water is that “Water seeks its own level.” That is so precise. I learned from a contractor friend, that he uses a “Water Level” tube to assure level accuracy while building. Actually, it is a vintage method of assuring level in construction. When he needs to check the level at two separate spots, he uses a clear plastic tube nearly filled with water to spotcheck as needed. It is especially necessary when checking spots around a corner from each other. It is so accurate and so simple it boggles my mind.

The recent water woes demonstrated a less desirable facet of water seeking its own level; Mudslides out West were as frightening as they were devastating. Not only was property and scenery lost, but also people were injured and lives were lost. Water can (and sometimes does) move mountains.

Water presents a paradox; too much is devastating. So is too little. My grandson Zach, a graduate student, is studying water use and its impact on environmental sustainability. He came face-to-face with water issues during his internship last year. Agriculture, healthcare, transportation,—–well, you name it—-our need for water and its role in our lives are critical issues.

Who can forget mom scolding you for using a bad word an saying, “I’m gonna wash your mouth with soap!”—soap AND water! Have you noticed the sales attraction water has to us human types? 93.05% of commercials on TV include water! (That’s according to The Willis Moore famous Magnum Rejoinder). Water is often called the universal solvent, It isn’t but it seems like it.

The very first sentence in the Bible, speaks of water; there are 722 mentions of water in the Bible—the Creation, the rescue of Moses, the parting of the Reed Sea, cleansing (often) and baptism, all speak of water. As I write this, Christians the world over are celebrating the Baptism of Jesus (January 8), in the Jordan River, by John The Baptizer.

When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, water, of course became the center topic. Very likely, she had come for more than one reason. The obvious reason was the necessity of getting water. But she left, after a frank discussion with Jesus, with her thirst for life’s meaning quenched. Again, water gave a lucid reflection , almost as if God had said again, “Let there be light!.” It is worth noting that in the final words of the Bible, the final chapter of the Book of Revelation, in the vision of John of Patmos, the Angel gives him a view of the river of Life-giving water.

So, check your water level; it matters a great deal. Whether it is life giving water ( H₂O), or the metaphor for Life-giving Water, Our vitality depends on it. 

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2022

Over Christmas and New Year’s holidays in Austin, TX, our whole family worked intermittently on Jigsaw puzzles (4 completed successfully). The activity offered, for the generations of blended families, a welcomed spirit of quietude—during the typical excitement of the days. When someone wanted quiet, distraction—-or simply felt compelled to find the place for some strangely-shaped puzzle piece to fit—the puzzle of the day provided just that.

I’m good at doing 25-piece jigsaw puzzles! Not so much on one with 1,000 or 2,000 or so pieces. Those nearly give me Hyperopia! Also, I have trouble sticking with that sort of activity. Not my family! There were always people around the table—one, two, or more. Simply seeing such peaceful hum of fun was pure joy. The fun didn’t stop upon our return to Georgia— at least not for Jennifer. She single handedly completed a 750 piece puzzle in two days! (Well, I did connect two or three pieces.)Late one night, I found her still leaning over the table—it was relaxing, she said.

No Jigsaw puzzle has any identical pieces, making a good challenge. The nicer ones (read, more expensive) snap into place, therefore only the correct piece will fit in its proper place. The production process for puzzles is long, intricate, and precise—from the artwork all the way to the packaging. Steel curlique bands are then shaped for the press (die cutting machines), to produce the pieces. Small wonder the puzzles tend to be pricey.

Human beings are puzzles too. No two are identical ones there either. And according to the Psalmist, we, too, are intricately created. We do, however, have similarities to; our skeleton, our skin, our social needs. Yet each one is unique. Just as our jigsaw puzzle activity over Christmas week engaged us, each one taking a slightly different approach. The human spirit in its diversity gives an attractive component to our social interaction. In positive ways, this interaction can temper community strength.

In a measure, a jigsaw puzzle is somewhat like life. One person wants to rush toward the goal—graduation, marriage, career, whatever. Another person wants simply to savor the journey—much like the person who lays out the puzzle pieces on a table, and works on it for weeks, even months. The difference is that the jigsaw puzzle is inanimate. Life is not. Life moves on—with or without outside help. Life awaits personal decision. Even no decision is a decision.

A big difference between a jigsaw puzzle and life, is that life is dynamic; there is no box with a full-color picture as a guide. There are patterns for life; health, nutrition, shelter, safety. But to a large degree we figure it out as we go. Although Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and worship are basic guides, we make our own choices. That is the marvel free will affords. We are not puppets. Therein lies wonder and joy; choice lies before us. A vision of hope, joy, and love beckons to us as surely as any full color jigsaw puzzle picture.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

I have said, “I don’t like change.” I might as well have said, “I don’t like to breathe.” It amounts to the same. Change is happening as I write this. It will continue. You know it must; it is essential to life. In our bodies, our families, our contexture, our world, the Universe—change is immutable. I think resistance to change derives from our human proclivity toward comfort.

Usually, when I resist change it tends to be one over which I have little or no control. When I choose a change, I expect some, or much discomfort, uncertainty—at least some puzzlement; I accept the unknowing because I want, or hope for a desired result. While learning to ride a bicycle (a change from walking) I got cuts, scrapes, and bumps—just short of broken bones. But the freedom and speed I desired eclipsed my fears—and scars.

One of the memorable changes in my past was leaving the tiny rural Deepstep elementary school and mounting the bus for high school in town. There were more people in my freshman class than in the entire school I left. Hallways, changing classes, schedules, rules—all wrought knots in my stomach. That change was more formidable than my eventual move to college—though a change toward my life goals, it was a challenge nevertheless.

Change carries the unknown in its bosom. While change may not exactly mean choosing “The Lady or the Tiger,” yet some change can portend so. A new job, moving to a new location (far or near)—most change, chosen or forced means adjustment; adjustment in direction, comfort, and attitude (or the need thereof). Ponder that; can you think of anything that you would want always to remain the same? Ironically, some people seem to. Don Gorske, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, has eaten a Big Mac everyday for over 50 years, according to Guinness World Records. However (and I don’t have irrefutable knowledge of this) he accepts other changes—as we all must (well, he did change from the original nine (9)-a-day to two-a-day).

Navigating change is often fraught with uncertainty, difficulty, and complexity. It is reassuring to know that God’s love and faithfulness are renewed every morning! We human beings may get weary or give up hope in the midst of assaults of uncertainty, or a difficult patch. But we are reassured that the steadfast love of God remains, well, steadfast!

The Apostle Paul gave final assurance of a final permanence (sounds redundant), and to that end, the uncertainty, pain, and loss migrate into hope. Very likely, just recently, in your place of worship, you heard words from the ancient prophet Isaiah Look! Look! I am doing a new thing! He was announcing that Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace are possible. In the thick of our doubts, fears, and missteps, we are not alone as we navigate this New Year! Hope is possible. Joy is possible. Love is possible. Peace is possible; and as the Apostle Paul spotlit “The greatest of these, is Love!.” (v13).

© Copyright Willis H. Moore 2022