Yeehaw! Open the chutes and let ’em rip. Powder River let ’em buck, 2017 is upon us and only the Lord knows what the year holds. Hang on friend, for you surely can’t turn back the years.
I was at the HEB (for you non-San Antonians, that’s the grocery store) and I was talking with the cashier. I asked if she had a Merry Christmas and she said “Yes,” but she was concerned with what was going to happen with Mr. Trump as President. I told her she didn’t need to fret none, that God was in charge.
It’s been a spell since I’ve seen young folk so concerned about the future. Perhaps it’s because they are not ready for it–mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. If that is true, well, that’s a shame. Shame on them for thinking that life owes them something “like” a free ride. Shame on us for not holding them accountable and teaching them better.
A few words from one of Bob Nolan’s songs came to mind.
“How I long for a trip, don’t need no grip,
I’m taking one more ride
‘Way out there in the prairie air.
I guess it’s in my hide…”
2017 will certainly provide each of us with “one more ride.”
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Now I probably shouldn’t vent the in first Paine of the New Year, but then again, the Paine is there to cause you to think, ponder, maybe even get a little riled up. So here goes.
I just don’t understand the comment of so many the past week or so. There are bemoaning the deaths of so many “entertainers” this year. I’ve even seen some comment, “My heart is broken…” Mercy, they didn’t even know the person. We get so caught up in the idolatry of the entertainment industry and letting is control our emotional lives.
If you want to grieve for someone, grieve for those friends of yours who had someone die this year. Grieve for those communities who had first responders die in the line of duty or for families who had servicemen die.
One more little thing to think of is that you shouldn’t be broken-hearted over their deaths, but rather their condition now as they stand before the Judge of the Universe. If their hearts were not right with Christ, they are in an eternity of trouble.
“And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony.'” (Luke 16:24-25, NASB)
Yes, grief will most likely be a part of 2017 as it is every year. However, the year will also be full of challenges, anticipation, and contrary to another public figure–hope.