Tuesday; February 6

Throughout the years I have been given the opportunity to reflect upon life and offer some observations.  Sometimes I prepare presentations with others in mind, but as often as not, I ponder what I need to know or do, then try to share those ideas with others who might find themselves in similar situations.  Today is one of those days! 
          Lately I have been wrestling with the “value” in modern life.  It seems like our society struggles with grasping truth, tending to ignore it in pursuit of the insignificant things that distract us.  We fuss and fight over issues that really don’t amount to a hill of beans while we watch as poverty, evil, immorality and carnal distractions envelop us.  Headlines filled with fluff choke out the real struggles of what it means to be productive people.  I realize there are good people doing good things (there always have been and there always will be), but some days it just seems like we are losing the good fight. 
          The other day, when I was feeling disheartened, I came across an interesting statement written by King Solomon.  As he described his role he observed, “In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs. The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly.”  (Ecclesiastes 12:9-10)  Here was a sage (who had just commented, “vanities of vanity … all is vanity”) concluding that his responsibility was to use his talents and insights to build up his fellow man.  His role wasn’t to feel good about the way things were, he was charged with helping people make sense out of knowledge and truth. 
          When we struggle with being dissatisfied with the way things are, let’s remember that our calling isn’t to defend or accept the status quo, rather it is help those around us become better.  Maybe, when we accept that challenge, it will take some of the edge off of our discouragement and help to sharpen our focus.
          Think About It!

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