September is almost a week old. This morning leaves were falling in the Woods. A few trees have bare limbs already. Time changes things. We gaze at the horizon and wonder what is over the hill. One time folks thought the Earth was flat. Some still do. The Question is difficult to plumb its depths. Where did we come from and why are we here? Profound in its simplicity.

Spanked on our bottoms we gave a lusty cry. Where are we and who are these strange people? We had been engaging in deep thoughts and suddenly were relegated to cries burps and the pleasure of elimination. It seemed we had forgotten all we knew. First, we were cold and then we were hot, not unlike the Golden Years.

Preparing is essential. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. School is important. Algebra must be learned but why? Is it people skills or academic prowess that is valued? We become proficient in the curriculum. Now we understand. We are ready. For what?

Was money the answer, the arts, or a combination of both? When we stood up and lifted our voices, no one listened. When we banged the lectern, no one heard.

There were the people who were unseen and unheard. We helped some. They were grateful as exhibited by their glowing smiles and dancing eyes.

Life is childlike again. The sound of the trees in the wind is exciting! Jonathon and Jennifer smile. Aaron is reflecting on his deck to come. Brock and Marcy are coming to visit.

When you stop to look beauty is heightened. Colors are accentuated. Friendships are precious.

Next is coming. Next has always been baying at our heels. We know we must get ready. Slothfulness will not suffice. ‘I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding, and lo it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and they want as an armed man.’ Proverbs 24: 30 – 34

Did we understand the answer to the Question long ago? As we walk back to Jerusalem have we gone this way before…