HAPPY NEW YEAR?

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For several weeks now I have been writing, praying, wishing folks a “Happy New Year”. Now I am having second thoughts about that expression. Not that I am taking anything back, but Charlie wonders about the words.  (Martha reminds me that I often get hung up on words). The new year is a reality I don’t quarrel with.  But what does the “happy” mean.  For some it means have a blast, a party.  Even the common New Year’s Day hangover is not a total waste.  It reminds one at the start of the year the pain and discomfort that accompany shortcuts to “happiness.”  Maybe happy means your football team wins (Yeah OU, OSU and Spurs!) Maybe it is a wish for more and tastier food. Or does it refer to the entire coming  year. Some refer to the year 2011 specifically.  But to wish anyone a whole year of happiness? Now we have left reality unless we are wishing they would die and go to heaven. But to live out the coming year in a state of perfect bliss with no episodes of unhhappiness is fantasy. Whatever happens in 2011 will be just that.  Only our reactions to what happens determines our level of happiness. Maybe I could just pray that we all might look at whatever happens through the loving eyes of God and know that then our responses will produce the joy and peace that God desires for us.

CHRISTMAS 2010

“O Holy Night . . . Long lay the world in sin and error pining ‘til He appeared and the soul felt its worth”. At our house we are learning that as the body/ mind ages and slows down we are blessed with the time that helps us enjoy our God-given essence. We are giving up trying to explain these discoveries of our inner being except to say it feels wonderful.  

We are further blessed with friends and family that enrich our lives almost daily. Nearly thirty of of our grown children, in-laws and partners, grandchildren, great-grandchildren live in our San Antonio-Austin neighborhood plus Kathy and her family in Oklahoma and Washington D. C. (where Crystal passed her bar exam). We are love rich.

This year most of us got together for Charles’ 80th birthday party and again for Kathy’s visit to San Antonio this fall.  In September Charles and Martha got away to New Orleans to celebrate our 28th wedding anniversary and Martha’s 78th birthday.  Kimi and Keri did their own version of escape with a trip to Europe and a cruise on the Med.  

As another year draws to a close and as more of our family and friends depart, we are aware of the impermanence of everything and that by accepting this reality we are making the most of freed-up spirits and the heaven that Jesus said is among us.  So its on to celebrating His coming and making joyful life  possible. Won’t you join us with a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.?         

I AM I SAID

Recently, on the way into Bible Study, a friend greeted me and asked casually and sincerely, “How are you?” I answered, “I am . . .” I then paused and felt confused as I searched for a word to finish my sentence. I could too easily have answered with the usual “fine”, or  “never been better,” or “can’t complain” (before proceding to do so).  With this particular friend I could have answered, “better than you” but that would only elicit a challenge from him.  Actuallly, after the “I am", I instinctively said “that’s enough. Just I am period.” I could do no better than that. In Exodus God told Moses, “I AM!”  St. Paul said, “By the grace of God I am. . .”  Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life.”  Even Popeye said repeatedly, I yam what I yam and that’s all that I yam.” My friend and I both understand that our “amness”, (essence, being, life,soul) is a gift from God.We are are gifts of grace as Paul says. 'Nuf said for now.