Time to Begin

I meant to post this a while ago, but got lazy. So pretend it's 2012 again...

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"Look not behind thee." Genesis 19:17

     In less than two days the new year will come.
     A time of hope, a time of change, a time of renewal.
     But in the world today, hope seems like a far off concept sometimes, a foreign feeling that exists not in our own hearts or homes. Everyday it seems that more and more tragic stories are heard while looming economic cliffs and other national crises hang near. Cries are heard in every direction for gun control, economic regulation, and other measures of the sort. The words of the hymn "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow echo fittingly:

And in despair I bowed my head

"There is no peace on earth," I said,

"For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men."

     And so it seems that in the world today there is a mockery of peace and good will.
     A prime example of this mockery is found in the holiday of Christmas celebrated just this last week. So few celebrate the true meaning of the season. Many fail to see the significance of Christ in the holiday that celebrates His very birth. The holiday has become one of presents, reindeers, and Santa instead of truly focusing on the real meaning. Presents and Santa are wonderful additions to Christmas, but the problem comes when these symbols overpower the true meaning of the season. Then the feeling prevails of no peace on earth or good will to men. Stretching wider than one holiday, the problem extends over each day of the year. Morals are continually disregarded for easier and "better" ways of living. And so it is.
     So what is there to do? When it seems that systemic flaws plague our very country, what can we do to solve anything? Men cry for peace and good will from God's hand, yet they attempt to shut God out of public life. Where is God in all of this? At this new year, we all need a renewal. The call is heard for us to return to our morals and inherent values. In my opinion, the world isn't changed by politicians arguing about overarching policies, it's changed by the actions of each person everyday. Popularity swings the definition of coolness and acceptability back and forth on a daily basis. But lately, popularity swings in the wrong directions. As a people we need to return to what makes us right. Heal divisions, shirk hatred, and do something good. How can we do this?
     Peace can be found in the oddest of places. This past week I kayaked along the Peace River in central Florida with my family. The route to the canoe outfitters winds along old two-lane US-27 into Arcadia. US-27 is lined on both sides almost the whole way up by rural farmland, sugar or oranges. I enjoyed listening to my iPod and watching the rural farm land roll by.
     I'm born and raised here in the suburbs, but getting into these rural areas really piques my emotional interest. Maybe because it's the backbone of America. Rural farmlands supply all the food on our suburban dinner tables every night. America needs a backbone in these troubled times. The simple appearance of tranquility in rural towns like Clewiston and Arcadia provided a peaceful escape with possibly some good will too. Where can we find peace in each day?
     Come unto your moral values. Come unto whatever makes you a better person, no matter your religion or belief. This country needs a return to morals. People doing what is right no matter the situation. When  people begin to do that, then we are headed in the right direction.
     In answer to despair, Longfellow's hymn declares:

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,

With peace on earth, good will to men."

     There is hope. Look to behind thee, and strive to be better today than you were yesterday, everyday.

(Title from "It's Time" by Imagine Dragons)