But I trust in You, O Lord;
I say, ‘You are my God.’
My times are in Your hands…”
(Psalm 31:14-15, NIV)
I was a teen in the ’80’s. Technology was less evolved. We drove to video rental stores and rewound movies before we returned them. We searched for pay phones and carried clumsy paper maps. Life is easier today.
My seventeen year old comes to me, sharing his discovery from the internet. The 2016 presidential debates began with a handshake and a civil greeting. This surprises him. How differently our politicians debate today. Are respect and civility lost? It makes me wish I could rewind the calendar and go back to days when people tried to be kind.
My children are coming into a world full of loudness. I see how much technology helps us (no more floppy map on my lap while I try to find my way through strange cities), but maybe it also harms. Who stops and thinks before sending angry words? Who cares about treating others as they want to be treated? Then a small, still voice reminds me, light shines best in darkness.
“The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5, NIV).
I pray that we, and our children, continue to do what’s right. I ask God to show me how to shine into darkness.
Time isn’t meant to rewind. It keeps moving forward. May my children demonstrate the kindness and civility I seek. It’s not so hard to do.
When all of my days have passed, let them have been spent well. We are here for such a time as this.
Our times are in God’s hands.
Loved this post and the memories it evoked, as well as your words, “Time isn’t meant to rewind. It keeps moving forward..”
I wanted to use that line! It was the first thing I thought of too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Totally feel you!
Your post took me back to my younger days when the world was simpler and kind. Thank you for the reminder that we all need to shine the light that Jesus has given us even in the darkest hour.