This time and place, here and now...

Many times during my childhood as I was experiencing something I remember having the realization that it was awesome for all that had to happen years previous, to allow me to experience what I was experiencing at a given moment. Let me break that down a bit with an example. I was 9 years old, living in Washington State, it was 1976. The 200th year anniversary of our nation. During that year there was a train that went around the country that was actually a museum of American artifacts from the previous 200 years. I was in such awe at the nations response to this event. There was a great deal of national pride. I am sure that an awareness outside of myself was awakening as it does for many children at that age. While riding the escalator on the train I kept thinking how blessed (at that I age I thought how "lucky") I was to be able to experience this event. Not every child in America would be able to see this extraordinary thing. Many times over I have felt this same way. Maybe while I was taking a college class on US history, then a history changing event would take place. There are even moments in time when I was awed an a experience that wasn't significant to anyone but me. Today is one of those days. I have ordered something online and through UPS I can track nearly every move it makes. 4:01pm leaving Tenn., 7:39pm arrived in Roanoke, 7:45 departing Roanoke bound for Lawnside , NJ. What a world we live in. Can you imagine the Pony express with a tracking device? How about the people departing European lands headed for the US? Not knowing for sure how many days, weeks or months their journey might be. I can track a small box's every move across the nation. I find it amazing that at this time and place, here and now...in my lifetime I get to experience so many wonderful things. I doubt I should be amazed at any technological advances today, but I am. Did my forefathers feel the same way about ships, rail roads, telephones or pre-milled flour that they didn't have grow, harvest and mill? What will my great-great grandchildren experience? Things I can't even begin to imagine, but God already knows! Life is good...Eternal life is better!