A New Euphemism: Back in the 80s, “mistakes were made” was the phrase some used to sound thoughtful (even humble) without actually accepting any blame. The new go-to line is, “Walk that back,” as in, “I need to walk back that comment”. I am pretty sure you only “walk things back” if you are caught in a lie. But I am not positive. I might be wrong, err, “it is possible that mistakes are being made”.
Spiritual Narcissism: A Times of London article argues that the spiritual practices designed to shrink our ego likely inflate it. The specific claim is that those who seek harmony with the universe through meditation feel superior to those who do not. Perhaps. I am a fan of meditation, though only that guided by Scripture and focused primarily on Christ and the Gospel. Nevertheless, I take the study as a warning. May we all be reminded that the closer we grow to God, the further away we will realize we actually are, and that no one – absolutely no one – wants to around someone who is spiritually proud. Self-righteous religious jerks are the worst jerks of all.
Quotes Worth Requoting: “If Americans can be divorced for ‘incompatibility of temper’ I cannot conceive why they are not all divorced. I have known many happy marriages, but never a compatible one. The whole aim of marriage is to fight through and survive the instant when incompatibility becomes unquestionable. For a man and a woman, as such, are incompatible.” GK Chesterton
Tozer on Entering a New Year: “I do not advise that we end the year on a somber note. The march, not the dirge, has ever been the music of Christianity. If we are good students in the school of life, there is much that the years have to teach us. But the Christian is more than a student, more than a philosopher. He is a believer, and the object of his faith makes the difference, the mighty difference. Of all persons the Christian should be best prepared for whatever the New Year brings. He has dealt with life at its source. In Christ he has disposed of a thousand enemies that other men must face alone and unprepared. He can face his tomorrow cheerful and unafraid because yesterday he turned his feet into the ways of peace and today he lives in God. The man who has made God his dwelling place will always have a safe habitation.” A.W. Tozer
Focus Here: “Happiness Studies” – which is one of the hottest academic disciplines of the last five years – has now confirmed what we find in the biblical wisdom books like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes: Not everything matters, but four things do. The keys to happiness are: 1) a few deep friendships; 2) healthy family relationships; 3) meaningful work; and 4) a worldview that helps you understand death and suffering. (NOTE: If you’d like to be happier next year than this one – and who doesn’t? – you might craft any resolution around one or all four of these key areas)
More Curious and Less Furious: Speaking of resolutions, the phrase “be more curious and less furious” seems like good counsel for the months ahead.
Sign of the Times: During 2021, a new version of The Lord of the Rings (LOTR to the initiated) will be released on TV. Early reports tell us to think Game of Thrones and to expect nudity. Nudity? Having not seen Game of Thrones I cannot comment on that reference, but nudity… in the LOTR? I assume we are not talking about naked Orcs or Balrogs, so let me note, nudity will require major changes. One of the criticisms of the LOTR is the almost total lack of female characters.
The Middle Ages: If most of what you know about the Middle Ages comes from Monty Python films, you might enjoy this classic sketch. If you want a more accurate understanding of what they were like, this site features images of churches built in Norway between 1150 and 1350. For what it’s worth, historians are deciding the Dark Ages were a lot less dark than previously imagined. But, if you’d like to stay with humor, you may enjoy a few more 2020 memes.
Closing Prayer: Eternal God, the refuge of all your children, in our weakness you are our strength, in our darkness our light, in our sorrow our comfort and peace. May we always live in your presence, and serve you in our daily lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Boniface (680 – 754)
P.S. My apologies for any typos, etc. The proof readers who make me look smart – or who at the least keep me from looking illiterate – are off this week.