Is our country drifting?
By Jan Dolcater
To the Editor:
On this beautiful July morning in a very precious part of the world, I wonder how many others besides me are concerned about where we are and where we are going. I believe that all would agree that the events, which we are confronted with today, make us pause and consider what is going on and why it is?
It is apparent that the world has changed significantly over the past 15 to 20 years. Our involvement in the Middle East and Afghanistan and various locations in Africa have led to upheaval not only in these areas, but also in our blessed homeland. Are we truly accomplishing anything or are we simply snipping around the edges and avoiding the reality of solving the chaos we have to face, and if not now, when?
As we recently celebrated our birth of freedom and liberty have we taken time to thank our Almighty God for all the blessings that we have received? I hope so, as it is reality that freedom is not free.
It is time for each of us to ask ourselves where we are going and are we significantly involved in efforts to help others in our family and in our community. Ask yourself do you think you have become self-centered and have you just set a goal for yourself of achieving notoriety or gaining significant material possessions, or are you simply drifting along and going with the flow with no real purpose in your life. Neither of these paths is productive, nor will they help you to bring happiness or stability in your life.
How influenced are you by the accepted norms and permissiveness in our society that basically say that anything goes. If it feels good, do it. Is this you, or how recently have you taken time to ask our Creator, if He believes you are on the right track and are following His will?
I personally believe that a major factor in the confused situations that we face both in our own lives and in the course of our nation is in direct relationship to our lack of commitment to God. It may come as a surprise to many that beautiful Knox County (where I live) is one of the most unchurched areas not only in New England, but in the entire USA.
I encourage all who read this column to evaluate their own lives and decide to make a commitment to follow a change of course and to do things His way and not our own. I say this not from a position of talking down to others, but as a signal to others to change as yours truly learned this lesson the hard way.
This may sound old fashioned to you, but I encourage you to utilize the Bible daily; it is a road map for life. In addition, I encourage you to pray daily for guidance for your life and for those around you, not only family or friends, but particularly for others and most certainly for our country. This needs to be done faithfully.
In looking ahead to the next 10 to 20 years, I am fearful of where are our country is headed. It is a truism that any road will get you there, but when you get there, it probably will not be where you want to be.
Please accept these words from me, as they are intended to be expressed in humility. It is inevitable that our beloved country is near a fateful time of decision; I trust you will help to make it a positive result.
Jan Dolcater of Rockport is a member of a group of concerned Midcoast citizens who meet to discuss issues of public interest. Their weekly column “Another View” has been awarded by the Maine Press Association.
