Merry Christmas

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today, in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” –Luke 2:10-11

There they were, in the darkest of nights, keeping watch over their flocks. They had no idea that the God of the Universe had His eye on them. Who would? They were shepherds. Most the younger sons of peasant farmers, they had no land to call their own. No family. They lived a life separate from society; a life focused on the flock in their care. But God knew everything about those shepherds – from each hair atop their heads, to the grime on the bottom of their feet. He knew each name, each face, each scent. He knew from whence they came and the direction they were heading; He knew their hopes, disappointments, worries, and regrets. He knew they needed saving. He knows the same of us. He could have rescued us from afar. Instead he sent His most precious possession to the muck and mire of our lives – tangible proof that He’s in our corner. We turn our backs on Him; he continues to pursue us. We work ourselves into a wretched state; He sends salvation. And He’s never closer than in the darkness of night; when all seems lost, that’s when His light shines brightest. If we but take our eyes off our circumstances and look up, we’ll find the message is the same: Do not fear; I bring you good news of GREAT joy…

Going forward…

For most, it is a day for the history books – a new beginning – one giant leap for mankind.  For others, it’s the day the earth stood still – the end of the road – an attack on life as we know it. 

I see it for what it is – a new chapter. 

It begins where another leaves off.  Some things will remain constant; some things will end, others will begin.  Obama is the hero of the moment.  He stands tall and proud and dignified in victory.  His smile can light up a room; his intelligent discourse can inspire nations.  But the fact remains, he is but human.  No man can save the world in his own might.  He will disappoint; he may also pleasantly surprise.  Even then, he will not be alone.          

We have a part to play as well.  For change – both good and bad – requires effort.  We must work to better ourselves, before we can expect America to be better.  Learn.  Volunteer.  Mentor.  Teach.  Don’t agree with the laws?  Get involved and work to change them.  Don’t agree with abortion?  Give of your time and resources to protect women who may feel they have no other option.   

Do what you can; and at the close of the day place it in the Lord’s hands.  Pray for your heart and the heart of your neighbor; pray for all those in authority – whether or not you agree with them.  Pray for Obama – for wisdom and protection for him and his family.  For only when our hope soars on the wings of prayer can it truly take flight. 

Thefore, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, “having thus chosen our course, without guile, and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God, and go forward without fear, and with manly hearts … “

Sacrifice

Of all the questions posed at the Presidential Debate last night, one shone above the rest. Emailed from a lady in her 70’s, she noted that since WWII, we as individuals have not been asked to sacrifice anything but the blood of our sons and daughters. As President, she asked, what would you require citizens to give up for the good of the Country.

Such an amazing question – sadly, the answers did not rise to the occasion. I can’t say I blame them. Who wants to be the candidate to say they will make Americans – of all people – sacrifice for the good of their – GASP! – neighbors!

Yet it may be the only answer worthy of breath …

With the economic crisis of today being compared to the great depression, I can’t help but wonder if we have character enough to rise above. We’ve lived a lifetime getting what we want, when we want it. But if you look back to those who walked this road before, the road to recovery required each person doing his or her part – everyone, not just the government. They didn’t charge more – they didn’t have that luxury. If they couldn’t afford it, they went without. They learned to share, to cut back where they could, to be ingenious at making a living. When it came time to ration, they rationed – and they did it for the good of the nation.

Do we have it in us to do the same? The question demands an answer not only from the future president, but you and me as well.

As a citizen of the United States of America, what are you willing to sacrifice for the good of our country?

Little Manhattan (2005)

Nothing’s as big as your first love.

Rating: PG

Genre: Comedy-romance

Verdict: Can’t help falling for this one

The gist: Ten-year-old Gabe (Josh Hutcherson) has it all together.  He has his loving -albeit dysfunctional – parents Adam (Bradley Whitford) and Leslie (Cynthia Nixon), his friends, and his sports.  He’s living the good life.  Then Rosemary Telesco (Charlie Ray) walks into his karate class – and everything changes.  Sure, he’s known her since kindergarten, but suddenly he sees her with different eyes.  In a blink he feels the awe and misery that is first love.  And New York will never be the same …  

My take: I’ll be honest. Renting this movie was not my idea. After all, who wants to watch 11-year-olds get more action than you? EXACTLY. But from the moment the movie began, I was hooked.  Jennifer Flackett (writer) and Mark Levin (director) display a fine talent in capturing first love and all its complexities.  This film is much like a time machine – taking you back to those days of innocence.  It beautifully conveys the humor, exhilaration, and complete-and-utter despair of first love.  And suggests to those who have found true love: despite the hardship, disappointment, and sorrow it may bring, love is worth fighting for …

Be happy

I know a man on the verge of greatness.  One big break – that’s all it will take – and his dreams will come true. Then he can relax.  Then he can be happy.  And it’s been this way for as long as I can remember.  While he’s been frantically pursuing the “good life” – much of life’s goodness has passed him by. 

Not that he’s alone.  It’s easy to do actually. 

Especially here in the US where the measure of importance often lies with our employment, our title, our education, our net worth, our neighborhood, to whom we’re related, or what family we marry in to.  And so we throw all our energy into these things, fully expecting them to bring us contentment:  when we’ve graduated from high school, undergraduate, graduate school; when we’re married, have kids, when the kids have flown the coop; when we get a cat, dog, horse, or pet lizard; when the cat, dog, horse, or pet lizard are house trained; when we buy a house, when we sell the house; when we get that job, raise, or promotion.  Then we can enjoy the life that has been granted us. 

Yet the more I see, the more I’m convinced we’ve got it all wrong.  We’re backwards and upside down. 

Perhaps the first step in righting our wrongs is to take heed to the words of French poet Apollinaire, “Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.” So whoever we are and wherever we may be – be it atop the peak of triump or the valley of despair – may we choose to live the happiness we seek.