Limits

I still recall the days of slide rulers, pocket protectors, and books with random number tables.  They were useful tools that helped us solve problems, achieve goals, and reach for the unknown.  Man made advances in atomic energy, went to the moon, and set speed records on land and in the air.  In hindsight, we were operating with our hands tied, but on the day, we were happy within the limits.  If one had to take on today's challenges using the tools of the glory days, our emotions would include intense frustration, uncertainty, and a growing respect for our forefathers.
I have unlimited amounts of respect for those that take on the challenges of any age.  Our grandfathers were incredible!  They had strength, discipline, and a dogged willingness to achieve the impossible.  There are those today that have the same.  In any age, the quiet heroes of our communities realize great dreams.  Yet, in each case, the boundaries can be stretched.
At the core, not much has changed in our spiritual journeys.  The truths of compassion, mercy, and community are as valid, truth filled, and powerful today as they have been at any time in history.  The evidence of God at work in the ordinary continues to grow, but there is something increasingly missing.  In an age of more powerful tools, greater imagination, and a willingness to sacrifice all, we seem to need to do it all on our own.  Individualism is on the increase.  Tribal loyalties are on the rise.  We seem to be acting as if we can solve our problems.
Bluntly, we will fail.  The problems will overwhelm the strongest.  The challenges will taunt the greatest intellects.  Just when we think we have arrived, we will discover that we have only begun. 
The problem in our approach has been around for centuries.  The solution has been here as well.  One generation caught the missing piece; “Up to this point they had only been baptized in the name of the Master Jesus; the Holy Spirit hadn't yet fallen on them.” (Acts 8.16)  Will we?