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June, 2007

   
 A Word from the Pastor (June-July) . . .

       The other day I was talking with my son (age 29) about his and his wife’s plans to reduce their consumption of food, energy and particularly gasoline.  He said that the younger generation is realizing the need to be conservationists and be wise about their use of resources.  He also spoke of their growing desire to eat right – that is, organically and wisely in view of the environment and the “cost-effectiveness” of raising animals for consumption.  It all made sense to me, from a strictly philosophical point of view.  Then I thought about my parents and the fact that they went through the Great Depression.  My mother is 94 years old and I remember her telling the stories of the hardships they endured during the depression.  My parents came from poor families to begin with, so the deprivation they felt was even more severe.  My Dad once told me about eating stale bread with bacon grease on it – very nutritious – because there wasn’t anything else; or the same soup four or five days in a row – just add more water!  My Mom recalls that being able to buy a sack of flour was double-good, because it not only meant fresh bread and other baked things, but the soft cotton sack holding the flour would be new underwear later.  One generation forced to survive and happy with the most meager of staples; two generations later the privilege of choice to be good stewards or healthier and happier human beings.  I’m not trying to interpret history or be judgmental toward any worldview or style of living.  It is just totally fascinating to me how much we have changed in only two generations.  And here I am in the middle!  I certainly don’t disagree with my parents desire to survive, find a job of any kind, and fight a war against a ruthless dictator.  Their example of resilience is incredible.  Nor do I disagree with my kids’ desire to care for the environment and think in terms of the global community.  Those things are important.  For me, the thing that I see that “levels the field” is their faith.  My parents relied on God through those incredibly difficult times.  Their faith told them that there was something bigger and better than what they were enduring – something better for their kids and grandkids.  And I guess my children are really saying and believing and hoping the same thing for their kids and grandkids.  Faith in God transcends generational differences and changing times.  Faith and hope are timely and timeless.  That’s a good thing.