Forks

As I look out on the Singapore cityscape, I find myself looking towards a city that is forever changing, evolving, and morphing into something it will become.  Singapore has publicly stated its goal to increase its population base, attract a broader range of tourism, and keep its place as one of Asia’s premier financial centers.  The populace knows sacrifices, investment, and order will be required to achieve what few other cities have ever consistently delivered.  As obvious as the decision is, it seems to be replayed in everyday conversations and decisions.
 
Is yesterday’s tradition still worthy of today’s respect?  Have we become more enlightened, so much so that we can toss or ignore what has come before?  So far, Singapore seems to be striking the balance between old and new traditions, faiths and new viewpoints.  There is a fantastic combination of honor and respect in diversity.
 
I wonder if I understand what any of this means in my life.  I am so willing to pursue what is new that I ignore the value of what has always been?  Is there so much in the future that I cannot lose sight of the present?  Am I running towards what always might be instead of seizing what already is? 
 
There is an old warning that plays out today just like it did in history.  “Go ahead, cry for help to your collection of no-gods: A good wind will blow them away.  They’re smoke, nothing but smoke.  ‘But anyone who runs to me for help will inherit the land, will end up owning my holy mountain!””  (Isaiah 57.13) 
 
Every day is a presentation of a choice.  We can ignore the past at the risk of our lives.  We can foolishly run into the future chasing something we cannot quite touch.   Alternatively we can live, treasuring the present, seeking to understand the God that lives and walks with us.  The choice has and is ours.  At each step it may seem as if everything is at risk.  Yet it is in the present that our future with God is assured.