LIFE as WE KNOW IT

Life as We Know It

Life is different now. My children and grandchildren are experiencing social and moral stresses and pressures that are different than what I faced as a child or earlier in adulthood.

Some of my FB friends post articles and memes about how simple and safe our lives were when we were kids (Baby-boomer Generation) compared to life today. For example, kids played outdoors and not indoors with their eyes glued to electronic devices. Most of us could safely play outside with our neighbors till dark, be out in our own yards well after dark, and ride our bikes across town or along country roads to run errands or to be with friends. Families could even leave the doors to their houses unlocked when going shopping or running errands.

Although we may long for the “good life” of the past, we can’t bring it back. We can share our memories with the present generation through photos and stories. That passed-on knowledge may or may not matter to the listener, no matter how important it is to us. Our experiences sometimes make it hard for us to understand younger generations, just as they have difficulty understanding us.

Life moves faster today. New, more efficient, and time-saving gadgets give us more leisure time, yet we allow our lives to become busier. Travel is easier. Well, maybe. Each day, advances in technology change the way we live and communicate. The Internet allows instant communication across the globe at the push of a few buttons. The spread of unfiltered news may be good if it’s the truth but bad if it’s a lie or if its purpose is to stir up trouble.

I think one of the greatest changes that has come about in contemporary life is in attitudes toward moral absolutes and the choices we make. There’s a greater distain for the truths of God’s Word. Life is no longer sacred. Human life, gifted to us by our Creator, is being set aside in favor of killing the preborn by abortion and killing the elderly and people with mental and physical challenges by assisted suicide and euthanasia.

“So God created man in HIs own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27 NKJV

As a Christian, my worldview is biblical. My goal in my novels and other writing is to glorify God by sharing His truths. Mankind is sinful and fallen but is offered hope, forgiveness, and redemption through Jesus Christ. God is ultimately in control of everything. He loves us and knows and wants what’s best for us.

2025 is one for the books; a year of changes and challenges that’s now history. Not all change is bad, and facing new challenges may help us become stronger. However, I’m glad I know the God who is ultimately in control of everything. He loves us and knows and wants what’s best for us.

Where are we going in 2026? You and I can guess, think, plan, act, and pray, but only God Himself knows what will happen.

Proverbs 3:5,6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,/ And lean not on your own understanding;/ In all your ways acknowledge Him,/ And He shall direct your paths.”

Beth E Westcott