We’re 13 days into the New Year and things seem more like last year than any of us wanted. In fact, we’re on to a third time experiencing this. Like many of you, I wanted to turn the corner on the last two years and get back into some semblance of normalcy in 2022. “Not yet” is what we continue to hear.
Since March of 2020, we have all lost time with family, been ill or known someone who is ill, lost precious loved ones, or binge-watched more TV than any year since it was invented. Some have gotten into better physical and mental shape. Others not so much. Some have learned new hobbies. Others have felt so alone that it physically hurt.
As many of you know, I’m a New York Yankees’ fan. I love them almost as much as I love my Dallas Cowboys (and I know some of you will stop reading at this point, but please hear me out).
Yogi Berra was a great catcher and captain of the Yankees for 18 years, from 1946 to 1963. He played in 14 World Series and won 10 championship rings. But that’s not really what he’s remembered for. His often quirky, confusing, and ridiculous statements over his career make folks smile or laugh out loud. They often leave me scratching my head, probably you, too.
Here is a list of his top 10 quotable quotes:
1. When you come to a fork in the road, take it.
2. You can observe a lot by just watching.
3. It ain’t over till it’s over.
4. It’s like déjà vu all over again.
5. No one goes there nowadays, it’s too crowded.
6. Baseball is 90% mental and the other half is physical.
7. A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore.
8. Always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise they won’t come to yours.
9. We made too many wrong mistakes.
10. Congratulations. I knew the record would stand until it was broken.
I’ve used a few of these quotes in my life, but my all-time favorite is #4 – “It’s like déjà vu all over again.” That is what this year already feels like at times. Didn’t we just experience this? Are we going backwards?
One of the things I have learned since March of 2019 is that no matter how well we plan and hope, things may get confusing and complicated just like Yogi’s quotes. But we’ve survived together and will continue to move forward with God by our side.
Let’s keep our hearts and minds open to the possibilities still before us by observing. Let’s put our whole selves into making this year a time of rejuvenation and spiritual renewal. After all, Faith is 90% spiritual, and the other half is prayer. Let’s spend some time remembering that it ain’t over till it’s over. We get back up and follow God into this new reality as bravely as we can – together. Let’s greet that fork in the road and chose the side that leads us to spirituality and faithfulness, to keep us closer to the Divine, feeling the power of the Holy Spirit, and following the great commandment of Jesus.
Matthew 22:36-40
36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
That's it. That's the call for us. Love of God and love of neighbor. It's not complicated. It's simple. Just love.
Grace and Peace –
PK
