Another Year is Dawning

In a few days, 2011 will begin.  We used to speak of 2000 in hushed tones.  It almost seemed ominous.  We’d be riding in hover cars and teleporting to other destinations.  I can remember shaking my head and wondering what the world would be like when my children graduated high school.  Well, that year came and went without much ado, and transportation has not really changed that much.  An electric car or hybrid is no substitute for free flight. 

I once owned the book, “88 Reasons Christ Could Come Back in ‘88.” Really, more of a pamphlet from a guy in Arkansas.  Some folks in my church really got into it.  When I told them that I wasn’t particularly interested, they got mad.  Millennial types are touchy.  See, this fella claimed he knew the three day period in which Jesus would return (not the day or the hour).  I didn’t think he did, but I was scared.  That “significant” date went by the way, as well.

It doesn’t seem much changes day-to-day, but the context of years tells a different story.  Noteworthy change is noted over time, and there will be a day when most of us reckon the years by the things we have seen.  We are able, then, to distinguish the predictions that panned out from those that panned.  There have been a good many cautions of former times come to pass in my day so that I understand the necessity of cautionary tales.

There is a slope, and it is slippery.  Gains seem to be hard-won and of little duration while losses seem to endure and compile.  If there is anything that can blunt the force of discontent, it is that we have another chance.  A new year signifies that- although each day teaches the same truth.  “Every day’s a new beginning, every day’s a world made new.” Finding the courage for future efforts amid the ruins of the present may be the salient point. 

I know what it’s like to doubt having the energy for another go.  But, what alternative do we have.  The alternative is greater loss and disillusionment.  In the end, we will not even have the consolation of not giving up.  Biblically, our lives are and will be full of closed doors and new beginnings.  In any event, the future will only be what we make it.  All the dreams of yesterday have not come true, but some have.  It may be that our best hopes and efforts are around the corner.  Beam me up, Scotty.

Sterl

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