Monday Morning Rant (16)

It’s another beautiful day in the Ozarks! It has been raining off and on all night and the temperature is now hovering around 32 degrees. This is the same recipe which brought us the ice storm in January. That resulted in eleven days without electricity, heat, water, phone, internet and, for part of the time, access to the outside world. It was an adventure which wreaked havoc in our beautiful forest and provided cleanup employment until Labor Day. There was, as always, an upside in that we now we have confirmed that God helps us in adversity. The experiences of January left us far better prepared to face this or the next crisis if and when it develops.

No, we did not go out and buy a generator but we now have in stock, propane, kerosene, water, batteries, lanterns, cooking gear, chain saw, carbon monoxide detector, and non-electric heaters. We have these in sufficient supply to be able to share some of these resources, if necessary, with neighbors. As a result of the January storm, our local electric co-op replaced over 2000 service poles which were toppled. Hopefully, this new infrastructure will better withstand the ravages of nature. Since our Constant Companion is with us, we really have nothing to fear.

We readily recognize that our preparation makes survival possible but when we are yoked with God as well, it all becomes bearable. Actually, the quiet time provided opportunity for reflection free from TV and the “net.” This is the point where I remind you of Jack Jones’ (my late stepfather) oft heard refrain; “Everyone should have as much!”
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A dear friend from Independence favored me with an offering she found touching. I opened the video and was treated to a story which restored my hope in America, youth in general, and brought back memories of a time of crisis for many of our citizens. I urge you to click on it and further challenge you to not be affected by it.

For the curious, Spade, Texas is a community of 100 souls in the panhandle south of Amarillo. The ever diminishing population of this high plains town caused the merging with another school district and thus the circumstance which is the subject of the video.
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I am constantly on the alert for pithy sayings and sound bite wisdom. Often they encapsulate profundity well past the bulk of the message. One of these came across the desk and I must share it. “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.”

Whether it is just a simple smile, a pat on the back or some tidbit of joy from an experience with Jesus Christ, the beneficiary can reap an untold measure at little or no cost to the giver. In no way are we diminished by the enhancement of others. To not share our joys and the “Good News” has always seemed an act of selfishness. It’s just a thought.
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In discussions around the dinner table, we have come to the conclusion that during this season, nearly every one has become distracted. I pray that Yule tide has prompted everyone to withdraw into contemplation about the advent of our Lord and Savior. Oh that it were so. As a natural cynic it seems more logical that shopping, decorating, preparation for guests, etc., are more likely the cause of the distraction. That’s not all bad. I have found over the years that personal shopping trips have placed in my thoughts a greater appreciation of others. To not think of them and understand their needs and desires results in folly in the holly on Christmas. One of my sons (about six at the time) opened a present from a distant relative and exclaimed, “Oh boy, one of them!” While the remembrance was appreciated, a little more thought to the recipient would have been welcome.

When we moved from Las Vegas, we did not bring the Christmas decorations. I can’t say for sure that their omission was intentional but I have often wondered if their inclusion in a move to Mount Zion was inappropriate. On the bluff below the house I have installed a herd of lighted moving deer. That’s it! No Santa, no wreaths, no tree, no cascading icicles, no 100 yd. strings of blinking colored lights, no Rudolph or other external decoration on the house. The serenity of the deer herd seems to project the message of the season better to me than the immense display I used to have. Formerly, the house looked like a cross between McDonald's and Caesar’s Palace.

In any case, the season has brought a blessed quietude to the boards and the rancor has abated. Granted, the problems have not been solved, only shelved and it seems the spirit of the season will prevail for the time being. I plan to enjoy this while it lasts. I can only hope the peace brought by the celebration of our Lord’s birth affects us all and leads to solutions in good spirit and reason.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon