Recently I read a book by David McCullough on the Wright brothers and their invention of the airplane. Interestingly, their devotion to the subject of flight included a watchful observance of birds in flight. Now their invention has a place in history. It was a valuable exploration that has served us in many ways, not to mention the stirring of human thought. Things that seem impossible are now seen in the light of possibility!
Who can state the value of family and good friends or quiet moments that renew. And there are objects that claim our attention and thoughtful regard. My grandfather's watch is one. I have just read a tribute to my wife's father, highlighting his gifts of faith. And we all have photographs that we wouldn't part with for anything.
Value points to that which we esteem as important, dear, desirable, appealing. Education is vital. Add to the list mobility, wondrous sights in nature, advances in medicine. And we don't need to go to the Bible to realize that we only know in part. There is so much more. We advance in understanding and our concerns for others.
There are times in our lives when we reach a low point, and "same old, same old" has a grip on us. I remember a man saying, "I'm not worth much any more." But there are grand revelations in history that happily repute that. As one of my favorite theologians, Paul Tillich, said, he stands on the boundary of life. Tillich was caught up with the feeling of infinity, that life does not hit a wall. There is always so much more that touches us with wonder and hope.
We may devalue the dollar, but one needs to be more than hesitant in devaluing people because of a different opinion, religion, age, gender or color. Jesus spoke of little children, "Of such is the Kingdom of heaven." (Mark 10:13-16) They have scarcely begun life, but they are open to what life is all about - relationships and the importance of things and people. They are teachable. What great value Jesus placed on those children!
I think we have lived long enough to realize that we may be only on first or second base. Consider history! Consider the promises of God! Consider how far you have come! It is of great value to know that the Great Provider hasn't thrown in the towel yet.
As a child, I always wondered why the disciples - those fishermen and the tax collector - didn't go back to their homes where they could find peace and earn a living. But they didn't, as we know. Something powerful motivated them through One who suffered for human life that everyone might have life more abundantly. And they took off, those ill-equipped men, into the world, becoming ambassadors of joyful news. They saw themselves as people with a great future and a message. And the reason was that the Christ who died on the cross was resurrected. Hope suddenly knew no boundaries.
And that death and resurrection of Christ places a great value on us, a wonderful open door before us.
Peace to you, and may the gifts of joy and hope be yours in the journey of life.
Dr. Lamb is parish associate at First Presbyterian Church, Charleston