Tomorrow is the day I welcome, and anticipate, and embrace.
Today is the last day in which the ways of the world (dare we say "the ways of the devil"?) have their way. Today is the last day on which so many around us will pretend they have something (which they don't) and promote the illusion that "being happy" is as easy as putting on a mask and creating a parade (which it isn't).
The fake presentations are always more impressive than the real thing. They have to be. Why else would we follow them? No one wears small CZ ring. You can't impress your friends by driving a Ranger. No one is going to believe you when you say you "love life" unless you are continually in a party mood. Right?
The UniLu pastor whose sermons continue to be referenced had a habit (it has been reported to me) of dismissing the showiness of huge houses or fancy cars by commenting, "But they aren't happy." The ability to independently verify the degree of their happiness is not important; it was his way of reminding his hearer that we get what we seek - and if we seek outward signs of contentment, that is what we will get. Having those, however, does not automatically mean we have the inner signs.
I will smile and laugh and draw as much enjoyment out of this evening's Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and Talent Show as the next person. It is a lot of fun! The joy I will find in those events is connected to the assurance that the same community which today engages in these shows of frivolity will join with me the next day in acknowledging God's lasting reply to the darkness. They will be with me when I need a true and permanent reply to the evil which swirls around me and envelops the lives of those whom I love.
No comments:
Post a Comment