I’m moving this month from Silver Spring to Lorton, Virginia. The rent is considerably less and the amenities much nicer. There is a yard for my little dog, and my landlady has two young Yorkshire Terriers that will keep Skeeter company.
Skeeter has rarely taken to other dogs, but for some reason he willingly, if not eagerly, likes these two, small bundles of energy Cheeto and Sassy. Perhaps he is amused by their antics, and perhaps, in his old age, he likes to see other dogs play, even when he would rather sit by the fire—so-to-speak!
As I become old enough to have grandchildren, although you know I don’t—yet—I, too, find a great deal of delight in how young adults and young families live today. I enjoy observing, conversing and sharing time with these fine young people, but I don’t seem to have the energy I once had to stay up late and watch all the “good shows” they watch, or go out for social events as late as they do.
In fact, one of the reasons I never mind coming in late from church meetings, events, etc., is because I knew that if I come home between 10:30 and midnight, I’ll be safe—all the young people are heading out to the Metro, and there is always a crowd around.
The turning of the calendar year marks for all of us the beginning of a New Year that brings a birthday and another year of experience. When I was younger I embraced my birthdays, because I thought eventually my parents would stop calling me their “little girl,” but they never did. Then, ever since my brother James died at age 42, I have readily enjoyed my birthdays, because I am now very aware of the “alternative.”
God, of whose essence we are a part, is an Existence to which we can always turn to get a perspective on our lives. By seeing a source of something greater, a Process of life that provides a source of love and creativity, as well as strength to face the destructive forces of our lives, we can deal with the changing seasons and the changing times with joy, anticipation, and hope.
Philosophers tell us that we have religion and God because humankind wants to know that there is something beyond our individual deaths.
That philosophical idea may be true, generally, but I am not sure that every human being cares if there is anything after death.
However, I find great comfort in knowing that our existence is eternal, however that may look. And it gives me hope that what we do here, no matter how insignificant it may seem to us, may make a difference in the Process of life that we call God.
Embrace the changes that seasons, life, and our birthdays bring. Enjoy what those who are younger say and do. Make an intentional effort to understand and support and embrace the coming generations. I do, it just has to be before 10:00 pm!
See you in church, and if you travel over the holidays, come home safely,
— Pastor Lillie