ART & POETRY & PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Taking a trip back in time has been in the back of minds for many years. The thought of erasing all the ugliness and evil of current events is naturally appealing. This watercolor pencil sketch crafted by Paul shows in detail the way things might have been a hundred and fifty years ago. There were churches on just about every street corner, along with a bar or two peppered in between. Cities were constructed by manpower rather than through the Industrial Revolution. They lasted longer than most current buildings do. People weren’t afraid to leave their homes unlocked when they went outside. Neighbors took the time to chat for a while and sincerely ask how you were doing, without running away before you told them. Community was strong and people cared about each other. I’m not saying that doesn’t exist today, but we seem to have drifted further apart during those intermittent years.

Jesus told his followers that they should love one another as they loved themselves. This was in practice and called the “golden rule” a hundred years ago. What happened? Life became more complex, even though many of the tasks were taken over by machines, and free-time became available. That should’ve brought people together, but instead they retreated into bigger homes, which required larger incomes from two parents bringing home the bacon. More expensive homes followed with amenities that would’ve been reserved for the rich. A second, third and fourth car might be required. Fancy vacations with high price tags came next. Even with all those luxuries, families drifted apart. Friendships took a hit too. When people did converse, they might become argumentative. I see many of those churches now empty. Some are being sold because of lack of attendance. People opt for the “feel good – no mention of sin churches” or watc live streams on their mega TV screens in the comfort of their own homes. They also miss the fellowship which comes with attending church regularly – not to mention the truth of God’s Word which heals broken souls.

It might be awesome to retreat to better times, but times haven’t changed much – people have. We’ve grown suspicious of each other. We lack trust in our friends and neighbors. We feel safe in our homes because they’re protected by security systems. We lock are doors anyway. We’re surrounded by those who steal from the taxpayers to line their own pockets. There are those who enter our country illegally and take advantage of government programs. Maybe we should look forward instead of back and see what we can learn from past mistakes. God gives each of us a second chance. Many times, it’s more like a third and fourth chance. If we ask for forgiveness with repentance in our hearts, His love endures forever. We all have ideas on how to solve the problems of the world, but only God has the answers we need.

A simple time when days were filled with elementary things,

Like gathering wood and breathing air and songs that nature brings,

Enjoying all the scenes of life within our earthly pale,

And leaving all the cares behind when life starts growing stale,

To start each day with wonderment, instead of fear and care,

To feel the hand of God near you, His closeness there to share,

To contemplate the quiet things and not be self absorbed,

To turn your troubles to the Lord, you’ll surely be restored,

That simple place is in your heart, a place where Jesus dwells,

A place of calm and comfort too, where all our fear dispels.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!