Living Wisely

[Solly]

The first quarter of the year 2020 is a time of serious adjustment in the way we go about our daily living that will continue into the second quarter and possibly longer. As I sit and ponder, I keep thinking of phrases from a variety of sources I have read and studied. Phrases like: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…", or "If you can keep your head when all about you…", or "This I beheld, or dreamed it in a dream:— …", or "and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Many are truly filled with fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Others may question the idea of fairness in the present situation. Christ followers should all ask, "Why am I behaving the way I am? If Jesus and I had the opportunity to spend the afternoon together to talk about how things have been going in my life, how might he feel about the way I’ve been thinking and acting over the past week, month, and year? What would please him? What might disappoint him? Where might he be apt to comment, “It looks like we need to work on this”? Or “What were you thinking?”"

Hall, Christopher A., Living Wisely With the Church Fathers. Downers Grove: IVP, 2017.

 

Hall's Living Wisely With the Church Fathers appears in Accordance at a time when I need to have that talk. I will have conversations with faithful followers from the past who have also lived in such times or times even more fearful. This cloud of witnesses is with us to offer guidance and encouragement as we face these times. They will help prepare us for what lies ahead and continually remind us that we are not alone.

 

Strength and Peace to All,

 

Joseph