Valuable lessons about everyday life come frequently from various sources. Some of those lessons are totally unexpected, and they come at unexpected times and in unexpected ways.
As a young man, making an assumption and facing a certain situation somewhat naively, I made a misjudgment. As a result, something I already knew to be true and important was indelibly etched upon mind. Due to the way in which that impression was made, it has remained vividly clear and unforgettable although 60 years have passed since that event happened.
At the very beginning of an eagerly anticipated experience I assumed might be a somewhat lighthearted, or even frivolous, one, I was unexpectedly stopped and solemnly and sincerely reminded that at the beginning of any undertaking, I should always pause and invoke the help of God, the Supreme Architect of the Universe, with complete confidence that He will give me designs, guidance, and help in dealing with whatever endeavor I undertake.
A new year is already unfolding. At this point, one thing is absolutely certain: We do not, and cannot, know what it will bring. Until they arrive, the days and months before us are, and always will be, an unknown quantity. Although we may rely upon our best wisdom and the knowledge we have accumulated, we cannot look into the future and know with certainty what is ahead. That’s just the way life is.
However, we can, and do, assume one thing: The unfolding year will, as years always do, bring some disappointments and, along with them, some hurtful things, but it also will bring much that is good and pleasant. Year after year, that’s what always happens. We can rely on that.
So, we can look forward to the new year with hope and high expectation. But we can do more. At the juncture, the lesson I learned more than 60 years ago is appropriate: Pause before God, the supreme Architect of the Universe, and seek His guidance and follow His designs for the ensuring year.
As a young man, making an assumption and facing a certain situation somewhat naively, I made a misjudgment. As a result, something I already knew to be true and important was indelibly etched upon mind. Due to the way in which that impression was made, it has remained vividly clear and unforgettable although 60 years have passed since that event happened.
At the very beginning of an eagerly anticipated experience I assumed might be a somewhat lighthearted, or even frivolous, one, I was unexpectedly stopped and solemnly and sincerely reminded that at the beginning of any undertaking, I should always pause and invoke the help of God, the Supreme Architect of the Universe, with complete confidence that He will give me designs, guidance, and help in dealing with whatever endeavor I undertake.
A new year is already unfolding. At this point, one thing is absolutely certain: We do not, and cannot, know what it will bring. Until they arrive, the days and months before us are, and always will be, an unknown quantity. Although we may rely upon our best wisdom and the knowledge we have accumulated, we cannot look into the future and know with certainty what is ahead. That’s just the way life is.
However, we can, and do, assume one thing: The unfolding year will, as years always do, bring some disappointments and, along with them, some hurtful things, but it also will bring much that is good and pleasant. Year after year, that’s what always happens. We can rely on that.
So, we can look forward to the new year with hope and high expectation. But we can do more. At the juncture, the lesson I learned more than 60 years ago is appropriate: Pause before God, the supreme Architect of the Universe, and seek His guidance and follow His designs for the ensuring year.
