Shade Tree Wisdom 1/1/14

Shade tree wisdom at the New Year 1214

          Stepped out for the paper this morning and in my exuberance shouted a “Happy New Year” to the silent and still dark world out there.  Back came a
“And a Happy New Year to you, my exuberant friend.”  Well.

          But it’s a new year, and I have some advice for you.  They are the words our Lord Jesus used when He ended His Sermon on the Mount.  They are wise, and well to read again and again, and put to use in 2014.

24“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.  26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

28When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Matthew 7, 24-27

    You have discovered in 2013 that we Christians are still often battered, derided, and tested, so I lay on your mind the closing words of St. Peter in his second letter when he writes:

     “Be on your guard, and don’t let men without principle sweep you off your feet, but grow in grace and of the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory forever.: 2 Peter 3, 17.18.

     May God bless the year 2014 as you walk in Him.

GPD 1/1/14