Monday Morning Rant 49

It is with acknowledgment that the will of God was for our safe return from the Chicago area last night that enabled our late arrival home. This is an element of prayer which we too often fail to realize. In our selfish desires to gain the Almighty’s assistance, we ask Him for “our will” to be done, and not His..

Our monumental egos will not allow the thought that God, in his consummate knowledge, may have other plans for us. Does He not know that we require healing for us and our loved ones? Can’t He understand that the new job (at higher pay, of course) is necessary for our well-being? Is He willing to ignore the urging of the flesh while we search for a companion?

Once one becomes reconciled to living in His world and performing in accordance with His laws and desires, it becomes possible to understand our lives and the sometimes wildly swinging fortunes we appear to experience. “Fortunes” include “misfortunes” as well. In my dotage, I look back upon my father (dead at 65,) oldest son (dead at 34,) and my only brother (dead at 62) and ask the classic question. “Why?” Each of these individuals had unique outstanding characteristics which in my puny mind frame seemed worthy of continuation. They each had temporal responsibilities and were net contributors to society. What I have failed to keep uppermost in my mind is the possibility that a greater duty awaited each of them which escapes my limited understanding.

One need only read the scriptures at random to understand that man has been the subject of a constant round of travails and misfortunes. Even those closest to Christ suffered at the hands of oppressors and those who lacked a complete understanding of God. Why should we presume to be entitled to a different life? What makes us so special that our path should be lined with puppies, kitties and pretty, fragrant flowers? While I deny a full understanding, I am gradually increasing my awareness that I live in His world, with His laws, and most important, His plan.

In any case, we are thankful for our safe return and do understand that it was His will for that to be true. One of the greater joys was finding my brother’s widow upbeat, coping and eager to continue her life. I am sure you join me in thanking God for her outlook and asking Him for His continued protection.

Worry warts

It boggles my mind that so many folks are quick to pick up on the latest trendy fad for disaster and ignore the great benefits of living in the world of today. Comparatively, we have it made. We live, as Americans, in a cornucopia of luxury unparalleled in history, surrounded by convenience and miraculous devices. As a result, probably of guilt for our abundance, we choose to fear those things which have enhanced and simplified our lives.

The science editor for the New York Times web site has compounded a series of debunked myths. He very neatly disposes of some misconceptions about various perceived perils which you may find interesting. Among others, he directs his attention to the “dangers” of cell phones, plastic bags, killer hot dogs, “wormholes” and forbidden fruits.

If you cherish your preconceived notions of doom and disaster in products in daily use, you will not enjoy the research developed by the author. If, however, you would like to retire some of those thoughts, you may enjoy clicking on the above link. Try it, you’ll like it.

Congressional Hijinks

One of the joys of travel is the ability to escape the computer and the constant flow of news. It not so much that news is bad; it boils down to so much of it being ridiculous. Over the weekend the congress finally awakened to the fact that we need to firm up some aspects of our “energy policy.” They reminded me of my good wife who invariably decides just before we leave home for a protracted stay that she needs to clean out the refrigerator, vacuum every floor, clean the windows, launder every towel, wash every dish, and on, and on and on….

Part of that august (apology for the bad pun involving their traditional August vacation) body elected to remain to attempt to establish a realistic energy decision or two. The opposition decided to turn off the lights (literally) and go home. As usual, both sides were wrong. The former, for not insisting on this critical legislation months, no, years ago to garner the independence we require from foreign oil, demonstrated cowardice. Avoidance is not a solution to any problem. To say it has required legislation now would have been appropriate any day for the last ten to fifteen years.

The childish act of physically turning out the lights in the halls of congress to hamper what should be urgent discussion and subsequent action is egregious partisanship. It is time to elect people to that body who are serious enough to pursue the will of the American people. In poll after poll the people are overwhelmingly in favor of drilling where ever the oil may reside.

When we hit the road to come home from Chicago, the closest gas station advertised unleaded at $4.099. To anticipate our need for fuel when we got home, we stopped in the outskirts of Springfield, MO that evening and purchased unleaded for $3.339 to fill the tanks. The difference in state gas tax between Missouri and Illinois is two cents (.17 vs. .19) so where does the rest of the $.76 difference come from? That is a question and I do not have the answer. It is not “chump change” since an 18 gallon fill up amounted to $13.68 just for the difference.

We have asserted on these pages that just the simple act of awareness of our failed energy policies would have an immediate affect. Need I say more?

Final Thoughts

Although akin to the temperatures we are advised to avoid through salvation, we are happy to be home again. Please accept my apologies for the late posting of the Rant. Also, join us in thanksgiving for our safe trip. Our prayers will accompany all of our readers who are planning to hit the road in these final days of summer. May God be with you.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon