Sabbath Messages | Sabbath Message: March 6, 2004
Good Sabbath
March 6, 2004 "It is good to give thanks unto the Lord,
And to sing praises unto Thy name, O Most High."
(Sabbath Psalm 92)
Now that Plasma-screened TVs invade more households, we can explore everything from the future to classic art. Someday it will be like wallpaper and we'll be able to vary our environment from mood to mood and season to season. The software makes it increasingly interesting or captivating.
Perhaps, someday, we will hold virtual conversations with God, in our living rooms? I believe that this will evolve into reality rather than virtual. Since we are by nature gregarious humans, we will not give up our cathedrals of worship; no, we'll just opt for the intimacy of home and God-on-demand. We'll have our demandments along side God's commandments. Couldn't be all bad. Maybe it will postpone or cancel the next Noah, that I believe is on its way. Virtual is another way of looking at a future before suffering through it. If we had a preview, would we look forward to living it? Hopefully yes.
In San Diego, we have created "civic solutions.org", so we can invent our future, having been so disappointed and frustrated with the lack of progress the slow-moving beaurocratic process has made.
The serious question is can "mere citizens" make the "system" work better, faster, in a more satisfactory manner? Yes!
"Civility is a charm that attracts the love of all humans; and too much is better than to show too little."
(George Horne)
"Nothing costs less , nor is cheaper than the compliments of civility." (Cervantes)
Our group begins with thoughtfulness--after few complaints--then discussion, then we empty our minds with possibilities, and finally will reach the pathways towards solutions. The solutions can be tested through virtual demonstrations--like a trial and error speedway--and then as we accelerate through our learning curve, we will find more ways to pleasure ourselves with true solutions.
Personally, I am finding more pleasure in this search for solutions, for we end with a collective passion, defining ourselves, our group and our community.
Victor Hugo wrote: "If you would civilize a man, begin with his grandmother." This means that you begin by creating a parent who will have enough longevity and experience, so that the taste of life will have taught them to pay attention to successive generations, that hope is not enough, but discipline and instruction must combine with faith in an almighty, to turn civilization into civility.
In looking for cures and blessings we forget that "there is no hope of joy except in human relations....true riches cannot be bought." (Antoine de St.Euxpery) Too many people depend upon a cat or dog as a better companion than any human. Is it because of how docile a dog can be? Or how cuddly and independent a cat is? Young female teenagers love horses. Each love teaches us the preciousness of caring--no matter animal or human. One cannot care for God and not care for humans, for then God disappears in hopelessness ,for God can suffer as much frustration as any of His creations. I believe that we are all God's children if we will simply act as if we were.
To say that we love someone or something can be as virtual as a computer program. To be in love with humanity, to act humanely, to teach our young why these are so vital to our welfare--these are the actions of wisdom and love and devotion.
Be wise; share your love and kindness this Sabbath and God will embrace you
sandy
