Pratt: We worry about our destiny, but forget to enjoy the moments
On this hot June day, we are sitting in a cool living area and listening to news anchors tell us to check on older neighbors to be sure they are weathering the 100+ degree temperatures.
Obedient person (sometimes) that I am, my attention turned to the neighbors scattered across the open countryside, and suddenly it dawns on me. I can only think of one that is older within a radius of 20 miles.
Oops! The truth dawns. We are the elderly now. How could that happen? Oh, we've been through the grandparent age, and are now navigating the great-grandparent stage. But those four boys are growing so fast and live so far away from us that we're hoping we can get better acquainted when we they begin college classes nearby in a few years.
Of course the chances that we will still be around may be slim to none, considering only one is near high school age. But possibilities are there. Meanwhile, we are also keeping up with the story of the day, the lost deep sea sub explorers we hope can possibly be found alive and rescued though time is short.
One thing remains the same: whether we are flying in an outer space ship or diving deep into the ocean, mankind is still dependent on the forces of nature even with the equipment devised for survival in unfriendly or uncharted areas.
They took the risk, and we pray the rescue will happen. But none of us can know with any certainty the length of our time on Earth.
How is it then, that any of us fail to appreciate and work diligently to enjoy the beauty of the NOW? All too often, we worry about our destiny, but forget to enjoy the moments.
It is hot outside and going to be even hotter today. Some in our hot, muggy East Texas parts are without electricity for cooling their homes because of storm damages and/or cost.
Although it is always wise to plan for the future, it is decidedly unwise to imagine ourselves potential gods who will control weather by pushing for unproven solutions to climate change or populating other planets.
Punishing the populace without means to make choices for alternatives, proved or unproven, is a device of political control, not a product of science that has a real solution for short term good.
In general, we are a shortsighted people when it comes to doing any real good. We will neglect our neighbors' need of already available help to play “what-if” games with those whose only suffering is making the hard decisions about where and when to take their private-piloted jet airplane to the next world playground.
Read the 10th chapter of Isaiah and realize that the situation and actions of mankind have not changed since the beginning of human life on Earth. No matter how “smart” or even where we go beneath the ocean or into space, mankind makes choices for good or for evil, bringing forth the consequences each presents.
Although it is true that language and cultures are changeable, the Word of God still rings true in all circumstances. Human evil follows a recognizable, well-worn path of tragedy, but the promise of overcoming failure still resonates within those who seek God's direction. But the Bible is so old, you may argue.
Why read old stuff from biblical prophets? That's why language is up-dated so we can hear it in reasonably accurate translation into present-day words.
Again, hear the words of Isaiah: “The Lord has made you go into a deep sleep. (The prophets are your eyes.) … This vision is like the words of a book that is closed and sealed ...(Isaiah 29:10-11 New Century Versian).”
Prophecy is not a puzzle to be solved, but a promise to be realized. Dwell on what we do understand because the promises and warnings are there to encourage and warn us.
Beth Pratt retired as religion editor from the Avalanche-Journal after 25 years. You can email her at beth.pratt@cheerful.com.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Pratt: We worry about our destiny, but forget to enjoy the moments
