March 23, 2022

Michael D. Charles

The Land (life!) Given Us ~ Deuteronomy 4:1...9

The Lenten season offers a time of reflection on Deuteronomy’s ancient guiding words on “how to live” and a moment to assess, privately and communally, on (as Dr. Phil might ask) “How is that working out?”  Am I seeking to hear and live the statutes and ordinances referenced here or in those espoused in my denomination?  Are there competing themes, values, and “words of wisdom” that lead to wonder on “What is true?” – versus “What is fake news?”

Perhaps the words that admonish us to “take care and watch yourselves closely…neither forget the things your eyes have seen…make them known to your children and your children’s children.”  As a U.S. citizen, a senior military leader, clergy with the United Methodist Church, and a husband, father and grandfather – I mourn and lament the current tensions that abound throughout the various and important levels of our church, nation and world. I grew up in a clearer time.  I saw that time with my own eyes.

As opportunity presents and as led by the Almighty – I will make known: there was, there is, a land of milk and honey.  Continue to seek – so that we may find – and “enter and occupy the land (the life) that the Lord is giving you.”

Lord, take me where you want me to go. Let me meet who you want me to meet.  Tell me what you want me to say and keep me out of your way. -- Father Mychal Judge, FDNY Chaplain.  Body #1 NYC World Trade Towers. September 11, 2001.