At this point, two days away from the start of a new year, the general social expectation is that I am supposed to develop some resolutions for 2013 and reflections about 2012. I do not feel like doing either but maybe there is value in the task. So, here are a few thoughts.
It would seem that the ongoing state of things in our world is change. Not much stays the same. But our faith in God produces a stability and a sense of forward movement expressed, for example, in these two verses:
(Heb 13:8 NIV) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
and
(Hag 2:6-7 NIV) “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the LORD Almighty.
God is a constant but he is also a mover and shaker. So as we look forward to 2013, we can expect that there are going to be changes and “sameness-es” whatever the day or month.
I remember the five questions that reporters are taught to ask: Who? What? Where? When? and Why?
If we apply these questions to life in general, we are quickly into deep philosophy. But maybe if I just reflect on them as they apply to my 2012 experiences, I will get a few obvious insights.
Who? Two big family changes — My beautiful grandson, Kairos Zechariah, entered the world in Oregon. My faithful father-in-law, John, passed on to glory in New York.
What? In addition to the traveling, there has been the usual yard and home maintenance. This has been a little heavier on the plumbing end of things than I would prefer. I did teach an online theology/world view class this year and am slated to teach it again in 2013. That has been a good learning experience.
Where? Everywhere, or so it seems. We have done a lot of traveling this year — some out of necessity and some for fun. It is good to be home. [Check out some of my previous postings for the details.]
When? Well, that’s pretty obvious: 2012.
Why? Why does God permit the challenges yet simultaneously choose to bless us with the good? This is the heavy question for the moment. Maybe I will just leave the “why” to you to think about and then send me answers when you get it figured out!
* * * * * * *
We had some snow to shovel this morning — about two inches of very wet stuff. Sorry for you who are dealing with 8 to 10 inches on your driveway.
Smile.
TLT
this is great, Dad! I like the verses and your reporter questions. encouraging!
Sent from my iPhone
On Dec 29, 2012, at 8:35 AM, Hillside Laughter wrote:
WordPress.com Hillside Laughter posted: “At this point, two days away from the start of a new year, the general social expectation is that I am supposed to develop some resolutions for 2013 and reflections about 2012. I do not feel like doing either but maybe there is value in the task. So, “