I was trying to figure out how to do something really tricky on the computer the other day.
The details aren’t important and someone fifty years younger would have figured it out in 25.6 seconds where I gave up in dismal disappointment.
All this got me thinking. Is ‘progress’ a good thing or a not so good thing? Is it a help or a hindrance?
There are times to be sure when it is a fantastic asset. It has helped me ‘stay in touch’ with loved ones overseas. We can see and speak to each other in real time with real live images. I can see my daughter and son in law’s new corgi puppy Myf. Extraordinary and wonderful and Myf is pretty cute.
But there are times when the new geeky stuff is infuriating, too big, too frightening and not at all desirable. It is not helpful for the numbers in my blood pressure machine and the words which sadly slip out when I think no one can hear what I mutter.
It seems that I will always be doing this dance between looking back and looking forward and I think that is normal and helpful and healthy. Sometimes we need to look back and fix the things of the past (as best we can) before we look to the future. Progress is not a good thing if it keeps pulling you forward so quickly that it doesn’t allow you to first fix up the past.
Ash Wednesday is on March 2nd. It is a time to look back at the ashes of the past and learn from our mistakes. It’s also a time to look forward to the future with fresh and courageous resolve. Masses will be offered at 10am at 7:00pm and all are very welcome.