December 12, 2005

Going Forward

The Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard said "life can be understood looking backward, but must be lived going forward."

2005 overflows with lessons. "Build better levees." "Sports Stadiums make bad hotels." "Get a flu shot!" "Children will play, even in the rubble." "Hurricanes lose their wind."

The December 19 issue of TIME includes 48 pages of "the best photos of 2005," images that bring the worst of yesterday into sharp focus. Sadness, fear, hatred, loss, pain. A world where it "is always winter, but never Christmas." There's very little joy in wallowing where devils play. But, the journey provides lessons worth remembering.

Good lessons, but inadequate as we face unique tomorrows.

"Living Forward," offers the possibility of dancing with angels as we turn each corner on God's road to adventure. Go alone-and the muck will fill our boots. Travel together, with the One who knows tomorrow, and we'll ski the swamps.

After all, He did create us for "Life as He lives it!"

Consider a CREATION Health look at tomorrow...

CHOICE: It's never too early to choose well.

REST: Often. And take a full day each week to settle, listen, laugh, hold someone you love, pet a dog, and renew your Leukocytes.

ENVIRONMENT: Plant a tree. Or at least a posie.

ACTIVITY: Pull your old hula hoop out of the closet and practice till you can do three full minutes each day.

TRUST IN GOD: He's got the best GPS in the universe. (See Psalm 23)

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS: Rather than feel guilty because you're never going to get Christmas cards to all 120 people on your dusty list, send postcards (with Christmas stamps) to a dozen folks who think you've forgotten them.

OUTLOOK: 2006 is going to be an awesome year! That's for sure because Lowe's and Costco sold out the last of their Christmas trees on December 12, and because all but two houses on our street are covered with twinkling lights. Early celebrations promise lasting smiles.

NUTRITION: Three colors per meal, and chocolate counts. :)

Dick Duerksen
Assistant Vice President
Mission development
Florida Hospital