Help!

Celebrated my year #65, yesterday, 45 shared with Laura as my L(w)ife companion. In this photo, about one-month into our dating relationship, Laura was 15, I'd just turned 16. I remember that day like it happened yesterday.

Reflecting on life at 65, I am reminded, again, about the plaintive message in the Beatles tune "Help." It occurred to me...what a tremendous insight that song had into what happens to us as we move into the final third of our lives--but seen through the eyes of those five young men. Hence the plaintive nature of the song.

In fact, from this side of the time continuum I realize that life today is filled with tradeoffs. While I can't "do it all" anymore, the tenderness I experience as Laura, our kids and friends "stand in the gaps" is profound.

The FabFive had it figured out in 1969, they just didn't realize the light at the end of the tunnel was a train, coming to pick them up and carry them into a new chapter; Life is certainly different, it's definitely sweeter.  The challenge remains the same, "...do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God."  Do. Love. Walk.  Micah 6.8

Leaning into my weakness, only to discover God's strength is transformational; the humility that comes with interdependence is liberating.  My life, hidden with Christ, in God. This is the constant that will NEVER change.  Thanks be to God for our blessed hope.  

Life is fast.
Live it well...M6.8 bN

Why?

Please, tell me...

Why is the express line, not very "express?" Why is over-night delivery always 2nd day? Why do yellow lights make people see red? Why is urgent rarely important?

Why do we expect politicians to lie to us, and then get upset when they do? Why do we complain about the quality and direction of government, then refuse to vote? Why do we ask government to lower our taxes then complain when they reduce our services? Why is "public-service" so oppressive?

Why do we make vows we don't really intend to honor? Why do we "honor" people we often don't respect? Why are love and heartbreak two sides of the same coin? Why do we swear on a book we don't revere?

Why are educators accountable, but parents aren't? Why do we need a license to marry, but not to parent? Why can a 15 year old get an abortion, but not a divers license? Why do we mandate an education for "students" who won't try, don't care and refuse to cooperate? Why do so many parents think they can do a better job teaching, than our teachers, but make so little effort at educating their children?

Why do we feel sympathy for those with great need and outrage for those with great privilege? Why is the Humane Society only about animals? Why do we pretend everyone should be treated the same way, when we know that's not the way life really works? Why do we act like everyone is born with the same set of genes, when we know that's just not true? Why are criminals victims and victims criminalized? Why is "Affordable Health Care" so unaffordable?

Why does the right to privacy trump the right to life? Why is "profile" a dirty concept when, if applied appropriately, it can save innocent life? Why does our Constitution work harder for criminals than for good citizens? Why are some lives more valuable that others? Why is justice such a fleeting virtue? Why is it that the smarter we are, the dumber we get? Why has the information highway produced so much uncertainty?

"35...Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."   Matthew 9.35,36

Confused, helpless; lacking direction, weary, burdened?

Find rest...

"28 ...Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.'”   Matthew 11.28-30

He...will give us rest.

Life is fast.

Live it well...M6.8 bN