Every time I say “2020” I think about its many meanings! For example 20/20 vision is considered normal vision, meaning one can read at 20 feet a letter that most human beings should be able to read at 20 feet. Having vision corrected to 20/20 bring things all around us into focus.
It’s been said that hindsight is 20/20. In hindsight things are obvious that were not obvious from the outset. One is able to evaluate past choices more clearly than at the time of the choice, and make better choices the next time.
I remember 20/20, the television news magazine that has been broadcasting on ABC since 1978. While designed like CBS’s 60 Minutes, 20/20 focuses more on human interest stories than international and political subjects. Focusing on human interest stories can help us come to appreciate and see our own stories in new light.
In searching online about “2020”, I came upon the concept of “angel numbers,” and read to see what it was all about. It seems that in “numerology,” the divine science of numbers, it is understood that each number carries with it a special meaning that goes beyond simple quantity. According to those who follow “numerology,” Angel number 2020 is an assurance that the angels are ready to support you in life. This means that you have all the reason you need to live your life to the fullest. You’re asked to see the bigger picture, and to pay attention to the details you need to achieve your goal.”
Since 20/20 is about sight, perhaps 2020 will be the year when we begin to see things more clearly and work together to accomplish more than we have before. If hindsight is 20/20, perhaps 2020 will be the year when we’ll grow in understanding and make better choices in the times to come. Don’t really have much interest in the “angel number” 2020, but appreciate the thoughts and assurances!
For years, I’ve used a daily devotional book, Streams in the Desert. The entry for January 1 offers welcome thoughts as the year begins:
“Today we stand at the threshold of the unknown. Before us lies a new year, and we are going forward to take possession of it. Who knows what we will find? What new experiences of changes will come our way? What new needs will arise? In spite of the uncertainty before us, we have a cheerful and comforting message from our heavenly Father: ‘The Lord your God cares for it (2020); the eyes of the Lord . . .are continually on it (2020) from the beginning of the year to its end.’ The Lord is to be our source of supply. In Him are springs, fountains, and streams that will never be cut off or run dry.”
The entry for December 31 affirms “Thus far has the Lord helped us.” (I Samuel 7:12) Giving thanks for the year 2020, and for those streams of mercy.
Elizabeth
On this Martin Luther King Day, I learned of a very special new book, and the story behind it. On the summer day in 1963 that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream’’ speech and led the March on Washington, Sharon Langley, then 11 months old, was placed on a colorful wooden horse on a carousel at Baltimore’s Gwynn Oak Amusement Park. Her ride would become synonymous with the civil rights movement, as she and her family were among the first African Americans to legally enter the formerly segregated property, and she was the first African American to ride on the carousel. (Her parents had planned to participate in the March on Washington, but couldn’t find a babysitter!)
This month, Langley, a school administrator in Southern California, along with co-author Amy Nathan and illustrator Floyd Cooper, is celebrating the publication of A Ride to Remember: A Civil Rights Story, a picture book chronicling that long-ago day. The horse, by the way, is now named Freedom Rider, has a plaque with Langley’s name on it, and is still providing rides to youngsters on the carousel, now located in the middle of the National Mall. Langley, 57, is a featured speaker for the Reginald F. Lewis African American History Museum’s MLK Day Celebration this very day.
Her parents taught her: “We can make a difference. One family can make a difference.” She hopes her book will show this, written as it is from the eyes of a young black child asking her parents why black children had been kept out of the park. The parents explain segregation and the civil rights movement in a way the child can understand. Langley wants children to know that they too can make a difference. "Can you be a part of change? Sure you can. We have an obligation to be part of change."
What a blessing to see the civil rights movement through the eyes of a child, and to see how far that child has come in her lifetime. How timely the message is for our day – reminding us of our obligation to be part of the change. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” May these words find a place in our hearts this MLK Day.
Elizabeth
As we gathered for worship yesterday we had a Service of Ordination/Installation for the Elder Class of 2020. As we remembered the baptism of Jesus, we remembered our own baptism. Members were invited to come forward to be marked with the watery sign of the cross as they remembered and gave thanks for their baptism.
In such moments we see and feel our oneness and hear more clearly our call to servant leadership and a life of servanthood. While we sang “Here I Am, Lord, ” “Baptized in Water” and “Take My Life, Lead Me Lord,” another song was in my heart and I’d like to share it. I first heard “The Servant Song” in my Cursillo Community (later to become Presbyterian Pilgrimage) during my years of ministry in the Peaks Presbytery of Central Virginia. These beautiful words are for the Body of Christ this day and every day:
Brother, sister, let me serve you, let me be as Christ to you;
Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too.
We are pilgrims on a journey; we’re together on the road,
We are here to help each other walk the miler and bear the load.
I will hold the Christ-light for you, in the nighttime of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping; when you laugh, I’ll laugh with you.
I will share your joy and sorrow, till we’ve seen this journey through.
When we sing to God in heaven, we shall find such harmony,
born of all we’ve known together of Christ’s love and agony.
May God make us good and faithful servants as we journey through this world together.
Elizabeth