An event to certainly go down in history—just like the fall of Hitler and Hussein—now the demise of Osama bin Laden. On Sunday, May 1, 2011, President Obama stated, “Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.” For nearly ten years, Americans have been awaiting and anticipating this statement—the declaration that justice had been served. The announcement of bin Laden’s death has erupted a host of responses from closure to vengeance to a renewed sense of patriotism.
As like many Americans, I feel a sense of patriotism and completeness welling within my being, but there is also another feeling growing each day—an unsettling feeling. It’s not that I don’t believe bin Laden deserved death; it’s not that I don’t think justice needed to be served, but I fear the sense of pride and celebration surrounding the death. Yes, America did accomplish what it set out to do—to oust the world of bin Laden’s tyranny. President Obama said, “… but tonight we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history.”
However, it’s important to remember “the story of our history” never comes without cost—irreplaceable costs of life. Bin Laden’s reign has tallied up countless deaths: 3,000 on September 11, 2001 and numerous others in the nearly 10 years of trying to capture him. None of these deaths were celebrated; no, in fact, I’m fairly confident that each life lost left a hole in someone’s heart. Lives are celebrated, not death.
I do believe the Navy Seals who carried out the mission to capture bin Laden dead or alive should be commended. Perhaps, America should redirect their celebration and joy from the death of one man to the dedication of the military to ensure America’s security. However, America’s ultimate security is found in God alone. God protected those Navy Seals as they landed and commenced their mission within bin Laden’s compound. May 1, 2011 apparently was God’s appointed time for vengeance to be delivered.
Celebrate freedom. Celebrate life. Celebrate God.
Martin Luther King Jr. summarizes my thoughts by stating, “I will mourn the loss of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Carma’s Corner: Watching, Waiting, and Wonder
It’s happened. It didn’t go unnoticed. No, I dare say the event gained ever increasing popularity with each passing day, but the mounting attention and excitement was unbeknownst to the ones being watched. In fact, I would venture to guess the one being watched finds the event nothing more than an act of nature. But for the twenty-five million plus viewers, the event is a wonder of nature!
Somewhere in a tree near Decorah, IA, two bald eagles maintain their nest, care for their three offspring, and keep vigilance to ward off any potential predators—all in front of the camera. The live video feed has caused a flurry of followers, or perhaps peeps is a better word, to tune in several times a day to see what Mr. and Mrs. Eagle are doing.
Over the last few days, I have been among those peeps. I’ll admit the live video feed is not only intriguing, but also addicting. While I love watching the little eaglets eat, I’m most mesmerized by the dedication of the mother and father eagle. Hour after hour, one of them sits on the nest—watching their young and waiting for the change in shift. It doesn’t matter if the sun is shining, if the rain is pouring, if the wind is ruffling their feathers… one sits—the nest is never abandoned.
Since these eagles have caused such a stir and craze, I decided to do some research on these majestic creatures. Here are a few of the facts:
o Juvenile bald eagles are a mixture of brown and white. They reach full maturity in four to five years.
o The female bald eagle is 35 to 37 inches, slightly larger than the male.
o Bald eagles weigh from ten to fourteen pounds.
o Eagle bones are light because they are hollow.
o Today, there are an estimated 9, 769 breeding pairs bald eagles. They mate for life-until one dies.
o Bald eagles have 7,000 feathers.
o Bald eagles can lift about four pounds and mainly feed on fish and carrion (dead annals).
o Bald eagles can fly at approximately 30 miles per hour and can dive at 100 miles per hour.
o The wingspan of an eagle measures from 5.5 to 7.5 feet.
o Nests usually are built near the top of a large tree. Enlarged annually, a bald eagle nest can become the largest of any North American bird. The record nest measured 20 feet deep, 10 feet wide, and weighed two tons.
o At 10 to 12 weeks of age, eaglets are fully feathered, nearly full grown and can fly from the nest.
Reading these facts and watching the video, I can’t help but marvel at God’s masterful design of the eagle. Each feather, each character trait, and each physical attribute is specifically chosen for the eagle’s prosperity and posterity. No detail is superfluous or carelessly added; each facet holds an important role.
In the same way, God creates each human being individually and unique; he then waits and watches over his creation, just as the eagle. And I’m confident that when the time comes for the new little one to arrive in the world—God feels a sense of wonder because He knows He is the one who “fearfully and wonderfully made” that tiny being. He makes no mistakes; He makes no boo-boos; He only makes one-of-a-kind models.
I feel honored to witness the eagle family—yes, it has consumed quite a few minutes of my time over the last week, but I’ll continue to watch and wait… praising my God for this wonder of His creation!
Somewhere in a tree near Decorah, IA, two bald eagles maintain their nest, care for their three offspring, and keep vigilance to ward off any potential predators—all in front of the camera. The live video feed has caused a flurry of followers, or perhaps peeps is a better word, to tune in several times a day to see what Mr. and Mrs. Eagle are doing.
Over the last few days, I have been among those peeps. I’ll admit the live video feed is not only intriguing, but also addicting. While I love watching the little eaglets eat, I’m most mesmerized by the dedication of the mother and father eagle. Hour after hour, one of them sits on the nest—watching their young and waiting for the change in shift. It doesn’t matter if the sun is shining, if the rain is pouring, if the wind is ruffling their feathers… one sits—the nest is never abandoned.
Since these eagles have caused such a stir and craze, I decided to do some research on these majestic creatures. Here are a few of the facts:
o Juvenile bald eagles are a mixture of brown and white. They reach full maturity in four to five years.
o The female bald eagle is 35 to 37 inches, slightly larger than the male.
o Bald eagles weigh from ten to fourteen pounds.
o Eagle bones are light because they are hollow.
o Today, there are an estimated 9, 769 breeding pairs bald eagles. They mate for life-until one dies.
o Bald eagles have 7,000 feathers.
o Bald eagles can lift about four pounds and mainly feed on fish and carrion (dead annals).
o Bald eagles can fly at approximately 30 miles per hour and can dive at 100 miles per hour.
o The wingspan of an eagle measures from 5.5 to 7.5 feet.
o Nests usually are built near the top of a large tree. Enlarged annually, a bald eagle nest can become the largest of any North American bird. The record nest measured 20 feet deep, 10 feet wide, and weighed two tons.
o At 10 to 12 weeks of age, eaglets are fully feathered, nearly full grown and can fly from the nest.
Reading these facts and watching the video, I can’t help but marvel at God’s masterful design of the eagle. Each feather, each character trait, and each physical attribute is specifically chosen for the eagle’s prosperity and posterity. No detail is superfluous or carelessly added; each facet holds an important role.
In the same way, God creates each human being individually and unique; he then waits and watches over his creation, just as the eagle. And I’m confident that when the time comes for the new little one to arrive in the world—God feels a sense of wonder because He knows He is the one who “fearfully and wonderfully made” that tiny being. He makes no mistakes; He makes no boo-boos; He only makes one-of-a-kind models.
I feel honored to witness the eagle family—yes, it has consumed quite a few minutes of my time over the last week, but I’ll continue to watch and wait… praising my God for this wonder of His creation!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Carma’s Corner: If the walls could talk…
The house was old; the windows were shattered; the paint had blistered and peeled; the front steps crumbled. There it sat—alone amidst a few living birch trees. It was dilapidated, decrepit, ramshackle… clearly an eyesore to any passerby. A few weeks ago, I happened to be the passerby of this lonely house; my initial thought was “the wrecking ball needs to pay a visit.” But as I peered through the hollow window, I saw a wall… and immediately my creative juices started churning.
My mind started saying, “What if those walls could talk? What bedtime stories would I hear? What arguments would be retold? What parties would be relived?” I didn’t know; I didn’t know if the house was one filled with happiness and joy or one filled with strife and turmoil. It didn’t much matter now; I didn’t ponder long and went along my way, but I kept thinking of the house… the stories that could be told, if only the walls could talk.
My desire for a story from a house came a little too boldly this past month. It’s a story that still leaves me shivering a few days after its telling, and I don’t even know the ending yet. But I’ll share…It started with a remodeling project—finishing a room. Late one evening, it was determined that a wall needed to be removed, so out came the work gloves and tools. About halfway through the demolition, a question was raised, “what is this?” while nine cassette tapes were extracted from the wall. The tapes were tightly bound with rubber bands and labeled 1-9 and 666, the mark of the beast. The tapes were quickly tossed aside until the first tape finds its way to the cassette player a few days later. And thus a story of a life not known unfolds… In one tape, it’s all there, every ounce of detail identifying the recorded individual. And then came the purpose for the tapes… concisely said, “so one day the truth will be made known.” The story is halted for now, and only a narration of a life lived is being heard.
The “truth” still remains undisclosed… and which tape will illuminate the darkness awaits to be played… outside of the wall. It is not known that if the one who placed the tapes in the wall may still be living; it is not known when the tapes may have been placed in the wall; it’s not known whether the “one” will return to rightfully claim the hidden truth, but it is known who the tapes are intended for.
Returning back to the old house, I wonder whether the question is “what would the walls say” or more so “what do the walls hold?” The walls can only conceal for a short time, but eventually one day a hole in the wall will be made… and the truth will be revealed. If the walls could talk, what secrets are waiting to be disclosed?
My mind started saying, “What if those walls could talk? What bedtime stories would I hear? What arguments would be retold? What parties would be relived?” I didn’t know; I didn’t know if the house was one filled with happiness and joy or one filled with strife and turmoil. It didn’t much matter now; I didn’t ponder long and went along my way, but I kept thinking of the house… the stories that could be told, if only the walls could talk.
My desire for a story from a house came a little too boldly this past month. It’s a story that still leaves me shivering a few days after its telling, and I don’t even know the ending yet. But I’ll share…It started with a remodeling project—finishing a room. Late one evening, it was determined that a wall needed to be removed, so out came the work gloves and tools. About halfway through the demolition, a question was raised, “what is this?” while nine cassette tapes were extracted from the wall. The tapes were tightly bound with rubber bands and labeled 1-9 and 666, the mark of the beast. The tapes were quickly tossed aside until the first tape finds its way to the cassette player a few days later. And thus a story of a life not known unfolds… In one tape, it’s all there, every ounce of detail identifying the recorded individual. And then came the purpose for the tapes… concisely said, “so one day the truth will be made known.” The story is halted for now, and only a narration of a life lived is being heard.
The “truth” still remains undisclosed… and which tape will illuminate the darkness awaits to be played… outside of the wall. It is not known that if the one who placed the tapes in the wall may still be living; it is not known when the tapes may have been placed in the wall; it’s not known whether the “one” will return to rightfully claim the hidden truth, but it is known who the tapes are intended for.
Returning back to the old house, I wonder whether the question is “what would the walls say” or more so “what do the walls hold?” The walls can only conceal for a short time, but eventually one day a hole in the wall will be made… and the truth will be revealed. If the walls could talk, what secrets are waiting to be disclosed?
Carma’s Corner: Perseverance
Turn on any television. Switch on any radio. Pick up any newspaper or news magazine. The overwhelming news bulletins have lately been on the political protests and uprisings in Cairo, Egypt. Thousands upon thousands of people have gathered for one sole purpose, to oust the thirty year reign of President Hosni Mubarak. Of course, the people who have convened to support the maintaining of President Mubarak’s reign cannot be disregarded. Even though these two groups of people are seeking different political measures, they do share one characteristic: perseverance.
What exactly is perseverance? According to the Oxford English Dictionary, perseverance is “the fact, process, condition, or quality of persevering.” But if persevering is not understood, the definition of perseverance does not shed much light on the actual meaning of the word. In the dictionary, persevering is defined as a “constant persistence in a course of action, purpose, or state; steadfast pursuit of an aim; tenacious assiduity or endeavor.” Perseverance is the noun form of the verb “to persevere.” In short, all these definitions can be simply summarized in the concept of “keep moving on no matter what.”
In Egypt, the anti-Mubarak squad is determined to bring about the end of Mubarak’s leadership, whereas the faithful followers of Mubarak are dedicated to ensuring his presidency doesn’t come to a premature end. The devotion and perseverance of each side has resulted in unrest, turmoil, and uncertainty. Which side will claim victory; whose cries will be answered, or what results will occur from this outpouring of dissatisfaction? I do not know. But I do know perseverance gets results.
Perseverance has always been an important ingredient in my life. At times, I like to imagine God writing down my recipe while He was creating me; maybe the recipe looked as follows: 2 drops of patience; 1 drop of knowledge; 1 drop of kindness; ½ drop of humor; ½ drop of cheerfulness; 1 drop of love; and 1 drop of perseverance... ½ jar of perseverance. Add the breath of life. I realize my imagination is not an accurate portrayal of my creation, but I do believe God has blessed me with extra ounces of perseverance, especially since He is the author of my life and knew what my days would entail before even one hour had been recorded.
He knew perseverance would be needed in the countless, long hospitalizations; He knew perseverance would be required to achieve education; He knew perseverance would be in high demand by my physical limitations. But He also knew that He was going to use my perseverance for a greater plan.
Although perseverance has played a significant role in my life, perseverance doesn’t constitute the successes of my life—not my education, not my career, and not even my disposition. No, my success is found solely in God’s gifts to me. I believe He gave me extra perseverance in order to use my limitations for His glory. Oh, there are days when my limitations scream “don’t even try… you can’t do it.” But then my heart yells “how can you ignore your makeup… surely God didn’t give you extra perseverance for storage… use it for Him.” So… I keep moving… and will continue to do so with God’s help.
Back in Egypt, perseverance has drawn people together to seek political change, to end Mubarak’s control, and to create history… all of which will not happen without God. In the same way, without God, my perseverance may have provided me with a few successes, but, with God, my perseverance is unconquerable… and has given me a lifetime of blessings.
I couldn’t have asked for a better recipe!
What exactly is perseverance? According to the Oxford English Dictionary, perseverance is “the fact, process, condition, or quality of persevering.” But if persevering is not understood, the definition of perseverance does not shed much light on the actual meaning of the word. In the dictionary, persevering is defined as a “constant persistence in a course of action, purpose, or state; steadfast pursuit of an aim; tenacious assiduity or endeavor.” Perseverance is the noun form of the verb “to persevere.” In short, all these definitions can be simply summarized in the concept of “keep moving on no matter what.”
In Egypt, the anti-Mubarak squad is determined to bring about the end of Mubarak’s leadership, whereas the faithful followers of Mubarak are dedicated to ensuring his presidency doesn’t come to a premature end. The devotion and perseverance of each side has resulted in unrest, turmoil, and uncertainty. Which side will claim victory; whose cries will be answered, or what results will occur from this outpouring of dissatisfaction? I do not know. But I do know perseverance gets results.
Perseverance has always been an important ingredient in my life. At times, I like to imagine God writing down my recipe while He was creating me; maybe the recipe looked as follows: 2 drops of patience; 1 drop of knowledge; 1 drop of kindness; ½ drop of humor; ½ drop of cheerfulness; 1 drop of love; and 1 drop of perseverance... ½ jar of perseverance. Add the breath of life. I realize my imagination is not an accurate portrayal of my creation, but I do believe God has blessed me with extra ounces of perseverance, especially since He is the author of my life and knew what my days would entail before even one hour had been recorded.
He knew perseverance would be needed in the countless, long hospitalizations; He knew perseverance would be required to achieve education; He knew perseverance would be in high demand by my physical limitations. But He also knew that He was going to use my perseverance for a greater plan.
Although perseverance has played a significant role in my life, perseverance doesn’t constitute the successes of my life—not my education, not my career, and not even my disposition. No, my success is found solely in God’s gifts to me. I believe He gave me extra perseverance in order to use my limitations for His glory. Oh, there are days when my limitations scream “don’t even try… you can’t do it.” But then my heart yells “how can you ignore your makeup… surely God didn’t give you extra perseverance for storage… use it for Him.” So… I keep moving… and will continue to do so with God’s help.
Back in Egypt, perseverance has drawn people together to seek political change, to end Mubarak’s control, and to create history… all of which will not happen without God. In the same way, without God, my perseverance may have provided me with a few successes, but, with God, my perseverance is unconquerable… and has given me a lifetime of blessings.
I couldn’t have asked for a better recipe!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Carma’s Corner: Renewal
Here it is-the second week of 2011. For some, 2011 has already been marked with heartache, tragedy, and trial… while for others, 2011 has ushered in joy in the birth of new family members, excitement in marriages, and hope in new jobs or promotions… and another majority may have barely noticed the shifted year, except for the changed calendar on the wall. For me, I’ll readily confess that I belong to the latter majority; 2010 graciously relinquished its reins to 2011. But I can’t fully commit to saying, “I didn’t notice the change in the year” because I did take notice, I did make resolutions, and I did give thanks for the New Year… whatever it may have in store.
January usually dawns with high ambitions for me. Maybe… this year I’ll write the great American novel, or perhaps this small-town, Midwest girl will be discovered by some elite literary group… or for some unbeknownst reason, I rock the literary world with a new voice and perspective. As I said… high ambitions… and within a couple hours, my realistic nature gently yanks me out of the clouds and plants my feet on the ground with a thud. It’s not that my high ambitions are dashed, but the aggressive ambitions are renewed with a dose of reality.
In a sense, January is often seen as the month of renewal. Like me, people claim that this year will be the year to lose weight, gain financial stability, start an effective exercise regimen, eat a more healthy diet, pursue more education, or to find the right balance between work and family. The list is endless. For some, one or more goals will be accomplished, while others will quickly fall to the wayside, left waiting for yet another January renewal. But what does this word renewal mean, and why is it so closely linked to January?
When I was in college, I once received an assignment entitled “expanded definition.” The directions informed me that I was to choose a word and define it in three to four pages. It sounded simple enough, but the final line of the directions read: “Student is allowed to use only ONE version of a dictionary.” My idea of using three or four different dictionaries to define my word gingerly skipped off my pages, leaving me to clothe 3 ½ pages of naked paper. Today, I can’t recall the word I defined, but I remember that the assignment taught me to think about words beyond their printed definition.
The word before me now is renewal… don’t worry I have no plans of filling 3 ½ pages! According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, renewal means “the act or process of renewing: repetition; the quality or state of being renewed; something (such as a subscription) renewed; something used for renewing, specifically: an expenditure that betters existing fixed assets; and the rebuilding of a large area (as of a city) by a public authority.” In essence, the dictionary basically states that renewal means to take something old and give it new life.
The months of each year come and go, but January always marks the beginning… the start… the launch. It provides hope, a sense of renewing purposes. Maybe… 2010 vices can be 2011 victories… 2010 poverty can be 2011 prosperity… or 2010 acquaintances can be 2011 friends. January provides a clean slate for individuals to dare to try something new or to renew past ambitions with greater purpose.
As for me, my high ambitions have been revised and are now called my renewed ambitions. The Great American novel has become 200 words of personal writing each week; the elite literary group has become associating with writers to get ideas and feedback… and as for rocking the literary world, I’ll be content with a small dent!
But for any goals to be accomplished… renewal isn’t just for January… it’s for February, March, April, and so on. For it’s in continual renewal… that true success can be witnessed.
January usually dawns with high ambitions for me. Maybe… this year I’ll write the great American novel, or perhaps this small-town, Midwest girl will be discovered by some elite literary group… or for some unbeknownst reason, I rock the literary world with a new voice and perspective. As I said… high ambitions… and within a couple hours, my realistic nature gently yanks me out of the clouds and plants my feet on the ground with a thud. It’s not that my high ambitions are dashed, but the aggressive ambitions are renewed with a dose of reality.
In a sense, January is often seen as the month of renewal. Like me, people claim that this year will be the year to lose weight, gain financial stability, start an effective exercise regimen, eat a more healthy diet, pursue more education, or to find the right balance between work and family. The list is endless. For some, one or more goals will be accomplished, while others will quickly fall to the wayside, left waiting for yet another January renewal. But what does this word renewal mean, and why is it so closely linked to January?
When I was in college, I once received an assignment entitled “expanded definition.” The directions informed me that I was to choose a word and define it in three to four pages. It sounded simple enough, but the final line of the directions read: “Student is allowed to use only ONE version of a dictionary.” My idea of using three or four different dictionaries to define my word gingerly skipped off my pages, leaving me to clothe 3 ½ pages of naked paper. Today, I can’t recall the word I defined, but I remember that the assignment taught me to think about words beyond their printed definition.
The word before me now is renewal… don’t worry I have no plans of filling 3 ½ pages! According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, renewal means “the act or process of renewing: repetition; the quality or state of being renewed; something (such as a subscription) renewed; something used for renewing, specifically: an expenditure that betters existing fixed assets; and the rebuilding of a large area (as of a city) by a public authority.” In essence, the dictionary basically states that renewal means to take something old and give it new life.
The months of each year come and go, but January always marks the beginning… the start… the launch. It provides hope, a sense of renewing purposes. Maybe… 2010 vices can be 2011 victories… 2010 poverty can be 2011 prosperity… or 2010 acquaintances can be 2011 friends. January provides a clean slate for individuals to dare to try something new or to renew past ambitions with greater purpose.
As for me, my high ambitions have been revised and are now called my renewed ambitions. The Great American novel has become 200 words of personal writing each week; the elite literary group has become associating with writers to get ideas and feedback… and as for rocking the literary world, I’ll be content with a small dent!
But for any goals to be accomplished… renewal isn’t just for January… it’s for February, March, April, and so on. For it’s in continual renewal… that true success can be witnessed.
Carma’s Corner: 2010 Rewind
The carols have been sung; friends and families have gathered; the delicacies of the season have been consumed; the gifts unwrapped, and now the busyness of the holiday turns to reflection. In just a few short days, New York’s Times Square will explode with people; champagne bottles will be uncorked; promises will be made; proposals will be accepted, and a minute before midnight, everyone’s attention will turn to the notorious lighted ball slowly descending to a countdown chorus… three, two, one…HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The end of 2010 is near; 2010 will soon be written in history books. What will historians write about the year 2010? With an interest in journalism, I reviewed some of the headlines that made national and world news. Here are some of the headlines I found:
December
Senate Passes Tax-Cut Compromise
November
In Midterm Elections, Republicans Win House, Democrats Keep Senate
October
First of 33 Trapped Chilean Miners Rescued
September
American Hiker Released on Bail from Iranian Prison
August
Home Sales at Lowest Level in 10 Years
July
Stampede During German Parade Kills 21, Wounds 500
June
U.S. Soccer Team Advances to Round of 16 in World Cup
May
Oil Spill Biggest In History, Estimates Suggest
April
162,000 Jobs Added in March; Unemployment Remains at 9.7%
March
Female Suicide Bombers Kill 39 in Russian Subway Stations
February
President Obama Outlines Health Care Reform
January
7.0 Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Port-Au-Prince, Haiti
I’d venture to guess that one or more of these headlines will be studied by generations to come. But even though the historians will try to justly capture the events, the textbooks will never be able to fully capture the relief and excitement of the rescued Chilean miners, the havoc racked by millions of gallons of oil spilling into ocean, and the devastation, turmoil, and sadness thrust upon the people of Haiti. The history of 2010 will only be ultimately real for those who witnessed and endured the year.
I don’t recall these headlines to show all the bad things that have happened in 2010; I don’t outline these headlines to highlight scars gained in 2010; I do so to remember that these headlines are in the past… and even though some effects are still very visible, the only remaining thing to do is move forward. I don’t know what headlines will be penned for 2011, but I do know, as like all other years, 2010 will be a stepping stone into 2011. The 2010 Rewind gives the forward push to 2011, another year of history in the making.
The end of 2010 is near; 2010 will soon be written in history books. What will historians write about the year 2010? With an interest in journalism, I reviewed some of the headlines that made national and world news. Here are some of the headlines I found:
December
Senate Passes Tax-Cut Compromise
November
In Midterm Elections, Republicans Win House, Democrats Keep Senate
October
First of 33 Trapped Chilean Miners Rescued
September
American Hiker Released on Bail from Iranian Prison
August
Home Sales at Lowest Level in 10 Years
July
Stampede During German Parade Kills 21, Wounds 500
June
U.S. Soccer Team Advances to Round of 16 in World Cup
May
Oil Spill Biggest In History, Estimates Suggest
April
162,000 Jobs Added in March; Unemployment Remains at 9.7%
March
Female Suicide Bombers Kill 39 in Russian Subway Stations
February
President Obama Outlines Health Care Reform
January
7.0 Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Port-Au-Prince, Haiti
I’d venture to guess that one or more of these headlines will be studied by generations to come. But even though the historians will try to justly capture the events, the textbooks will never be able to fully capture the relief and excitement of the rescued Chilean miners, the havoc racked by millions of gallons of oil spilling into ocean, and the devastation, turmoil, and sadness thrust upon the people of Haiti. The history of 2010 will only be ultimately real for those who witnessed and endured the year.
I don’t recall these headlines to show all the bad things that have happened in 2010; I don’t outline these headlines to highlight scars gained in 2010; I do so to remember that these headlines are in the past… and even though some effects are still very visible, the only remaining thing to do is move forward. I don’t know what headlines will be penned for 2011, but I do know, as like all other years, 2010 will be a stepping stone into 2011. The 2010 Rewind gives the forward push to 2011, another year of history in the making.
Carma’s Corner: Blast from the Past-Finally Christmas
A few months ago, I was searching through a file when I ran across a detailed program/schedule of the Smidt Family Christmas Eve. I couldn’t help but smile, remembering how I tirelessly outlined all the times of the events to take place that evening- from the candlelit dinner to bedtime. I gently placed the schedule back in the file, recalling my ambition and motivation for detailing such an evening.
It was a couple weeks before Christmas, and like all other children I was beside myself with excitement. The tree was decorated; cookies were baked, and wrapped surprises were slowly appearing under the tree with each passing day. With all the anticipation and excitement swirling within me, I wanted some way to contribute to the festivities. I couldn’t decorate the tree; I couldn’t bake; I couldn’t wrap gifts. How was I going to add my special touch to the holiday?
“What can I do?” I asked Mom each day.
After a few days of my asking, Mom came up with an idea. “I think you should make a program for our Christmas Eve… a schedule of sorts, so we know what we are going to do when,” she suggested.
That was it; that was something I could do! I pulled out six pieces of paper, my crayons, Christmas stickers, a ruler, and an ink pen. Mom wanted Christmas programs, so I was going to make sure these programs were decked to her satisfaction. I folded; I colored; I stuck my stickers; I wrote, and two days later, I gently laid six individual Smidt Family Christmas Eve programs on the front hall table. It was finally Christmas Eve, and in a few short hours it would finally be Christmas.
When I ran across this creation from 20 years ago, it made me smile, but yet at the same time it made me a little sad. In those 20 years since, it seems like the “finally Christmas” excitement and anticipation has slowly been replaced with an “already Christmas” feeling. As one gets older, one assumes more responsibilities; life changes, and days get busier with families, work, and appointments. Time seems to spin faster, and before long one is left saying, “It’s ALREADY Christmas.”
I’m no different. My yearly juggling act of family, friends, work, and other commitments becomes a highly entertaining circus act in December… and I’m left saying, “It’s ALREADY Christmas.” Gone are the days of “what can I do”; gone are the days of detailing a Smidt Christmas Eve program. Already Christmas remains.
I’ll admit I miss those days of having nothing better to do than wait for Christmas… and then exclaim on Christmas morning “It’s FINALLY Christmas!” But Finally Christmas will never be totally erased in my life because I’m continually reminded of the true Finally Christmas.
Over 2,000 years ago, on a quiet, clear night… there were heavenly hosts just waiting to hear the first cry from Jesus. Imagine waiting to declare the good news to the shepherds; I imagine the angels couldn’t wait to sing… even if it was going to startle those shepherds out of their cloaks.
Jesus cried. And behold angels appeared in the black sky announcing, “Unto you a Savior has been born; He is Christ the Lord!” Jesus was here; salvation had come to the world. The angels were excited and spreading the news of the joyous arrival… IT WAS FINALLY CHRISTMAS!!
May the angel’s excitement and joy invade Christmas this year… so Christmas morning may dawn with a chorus of “It’s FINALLY Christmas! Glory to God in the highest!”
It was a couple weeks before Christmas, and like all other children I was beside myself with excitement. The tree was decorated; cookies were baked, and wrapped surprises were slowly appearing under the tree with each passing day. With all the anticipation and excitement swirling within me, I wanted some way to contribute to the festivities. I couldn’t decorate the tree; I couldn’t bake; I couldn’t wrap gifts. How was I going to add my special touch to the holiday?
“What can I do?” I asked Mom each day.
After a few days of my asking, Mom came up with an idea. “I think you should make a program for our Christmas Eve… a schedule of sorts, so we know what we are going to do when,” she suggested.
That was it; that was something I could do! I pulled out six pieces of paper, my crayons, Christmas stickers, a ruler, and an ink pen. Mom wanted Christmas programs, so I was going to make sure these programs were decked to her satisfaction. I folded; I colored; I stuck my stickers; I wrote, and two days later, I gently laid six individual Smidt Family Christmas Eve programs on the front hall table. It was finally Christmas Eve, and in a few short hours it would finally be Christmas.
When I ran across this creation from 20 years ago, it made me smile, but yet at the same time it made me a little sad. In those 20 years since, it seems like the “finally Christmas” excitement and anticipation has slowly been replaced with an “already Christmas” feeling. As one gets older, one assumes more responsibilities; life changes, and days get busier with families, work, and appointments. Time seems to spin faster, and before long one is left saying, “It’s ALREADY Christmas.”
I’m no different. My yearly juggling act of family, friends, work, and other commitments becomes a highly entertaining circus act in December… and I’m left saying, “It’s ALREADY Christmas.” Gone are the days of “what can I do”; gone are the days of detailing a Smidt Christmas Eve program. Already Christmas remains.
I’ll admit I miss those days of having nothing better to do than wait for Christmas… and then exclaim on Christmas morning “It’s FINALLY Christmas!” But Finally Christmas will never be totally erased in my life because I’m continually reminded of the true Finally Christmas.
Over 2,000 years ago, on a quiet, clear night… there were heavenly hosts just waiting to hear the first cry from Jesus. Imagine waiting to declare the good news to the shepherds; I imagine the angels couldn’t wait to sing… even if it was going to startle those shepherds out of their cloaks.
Jesus cried. And behold angels appeared in the black sky announcing, “Unto you a Savior has been born; He is Christ the Lord!” Jesus was here; salvation had come to the world. The angels were excited and spreading the news of the joyous arrival… IT WAS FINALLY CHRISTMAS!!
May the angel’s excitement and joy invade Christmas this year… so Christmas morning may dawn with a chorus of “It’s FINALLY Christmas! Glory to God in the highest!”
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