5-2-12

Dear Family of faith, We live in a different world these days. Even as I write these words my oldest daughter and granddaughter are in the middle of a five-week trip around France. Next week a friend of mine from Germany will be stopping in to see us. And the week after that I will leave for a week in Costa Rica. At the Florida Conference meeting this week the delegates will be asked to amend rules for the General Synods, one of which is to make the delegate ratio for ethnic minorities 50% of the total. In my block here in Spring Hill we live next to a Filipino family and a Chinese family, across the street from an Indian family and down the block from an African American family-- and those are just the ones we know about! Yes, things are changing in our country, and those who cannot or will not adapt to change will be struggling more and more as time goes on. It's the ever-changing landscape of our lives that makes many people feel insecure and unsure of the future; it's what makes us long for the proverbial 'good old days.' A full 80% of us like our ruts and comfortable routines. And yet, since change is part of life, maybe we need to see it as an adventure and not a threat. Instead of getting sentimental about the past, why not get excited about the future? That way each day becomes an opportunity, and every year another marvel in the making. Besides, we have a God who is all that we need in whatever age or circumstance we find ourselves. Don't let change scare you. Embrace it and dance with it. You would be surprised how much more exciting life can be! A lot of people are having tough days right now-- some financially, some medically, some just down from the constant barrage of bad news and bickering in the country. Don't get drawn into the negativism and pessimism of what is wrong or not going well. Think about what is good in each day, and delight in life's greatest blessing-- every breath you take. With affection, Pastor Carlan