SHORT STORY BY KATHY BOECHER

The 1970s were supposed to be a golden era, because of all the changes and developments that occurred during that time.  The challenges of that decade were countless.  There was the war in Viet Nam, which caused violent protests and dodgers of the draft.  Women were burning their bras to indicate their displeasure with women’s rights at the time.  The president of the United States, Richard Nixon was forced to resign because of the Watergate scandal. He was replaced by Gerald Ford, his vice president.  He was followed by Jimmy Carter – a peanut farmer from Georgia. 

The television show, “Happy Days” introduced us to greaser, the Fonz, and clean cut Richie Cunninham. Disco music became popular as John Travolta twisted and turned to the delight of young women, in his bell bottom pants.  Music was evolving from Glam rock to Progressive Rock to Punk Rock.  Eventually country western music made itself known.  Neil Diamond dazzled us with “Sweet Caroline,” and “Forever in Blue Jeans.” (By the way, for the longest time I thought the song was titled, “For Reverend Blue Jeans.” ) Jim Jones, cult leader of the People’s Temple in Guyana, led his followers to their death in a planned murder/suicide.  The movie “Star Wars” made its debut and established a following that continues through this day.

A golden era?  Well, it was a time of innovation and discovery, but also a time which devolved into matters that might change the world in a difficult way.  Although what goes around comes around, so they say.

Every decade has its problems.  Today is no different.  The generation gap has widened. Elderly people no longer command respect. Entitlement is running rampant throughout our generations.  The morality of our society has dwindled to anything goes as long as no one gets hurt.  Even the lack of respect for life has taken a hit. 

I was a mom during this decade, with three children aged 14, 12 and 6.  I love each one the same but quickly discovered how one generation changes in a nano second.  Those changes can lead to huge problems when it comes to raising a family.  They still exist today in the 21^st century – much like King Solomon who ruled after King David over Israel.  In reading his book, Ecclesiastes, we discover that life doesn’t really change much.  It just comes in different packaging.  None of his wealth, belongings, long list of wives and concubines and everything a man could desire, he came to see that none of it mattered in the scheme of things.

Our lives are short.  We have a limited amount of time to live it and most of us don’t come close to being able to afford everything we want or need.  We do, however have the Word of God.  This timeless book gives us insight on how to manage in this world with guidance from the One who created it.  There is nothing new under the sun.