Vol. 3, No. 1 (January 1, 2000)

Jon asked if I would write an article reflecting on what the past year has held, and what I think the future will bring, for this edition of Saturdays Ramblings.  Little did he know and neither did I realize, what kind of a soul-searching adventure this would bring. I have decided to share these thoughts of mine with you.

The other day I was reading the newspaper There was an article about three women, all getting ready to celebrate the new millennium: two of them at the age of 100, getting ready to enter their second century of life.  But one, about to enter her third century of life, having been born in February 1898, is 101.  I can only imagine what it would be like to live history and watch the world change as this woman obviously has.

From horses to cars, to trucks to busses, trains, to men traveling to the moon.  From peace, to war, to peace and back to war again, living the hard times, and making good times in ones life.  Revealing her wishes for the future she hoped that the children of the world will spend less time on computers, and take the opportunity to learn about and enjoy the physical world around them.  She said, "Kids spend too much time on computers" but "that's progress," and "you can't stop progress."  I remember when that referred to just a TV, don't you?  Even now, after experiencing all that she has, she laughs, and enjoys herself, attributing her health and sharp wit to living a life full of good coffee, good food, and good friends. 

Today, people react to the coming of the new millennium in so many different ways. Some are readying to ring it in with their friends as they prepare to "pop" the cork on the champagne and celebrate, while others are stockpiling canned goods and bottle water, just in case.

Somewhere, in my travels and talking with people it was said that 1000 years ago there was a pact made between the devil, and God. The devil had the next 1000 years to completely take over the earth. If he was able to do so, then God would allow him to keep it.  Maybe someone can shed more light on this story, because in passing, I caught only part of it, but enough of it to make me think.  If this story is true, in light of all the violence, and sorrow in the world, it seems that maybe the devil has come close to accomplishing his goal.

I have watched 46 years worth of changes in my life. Reflecting back, it doesn't seem like much, at least not much compared to Alma's 101, but in my 46 years, I have witnessed, war, violence, and that thing called progress.  I have suffered by the hands of others that felt it necessary, without reason, to deliver a portion of that violence and sadness into my personal life. 

No one knows what the future will bring, but in the midst of all this, I choose to dwell on the good.  I ready myself for the future by putting that future in the trustworthy hands of God. In spite of the violence and sadness I have been forced to endure, I choose to recognize and rejoice in all the blessings I do have in my life.  I am truly blessed, because I, at 46, like Alma, also have good coffee, good food, and good friends.

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