Trial Run

Trial runs. Life is full of them. A new idea has to be launched, but, first we test the waters to see if the idea will sink or swim. Trial runs.

These past weeks have seemed like we were in a trial run in response to the Covid-19 virus. I will let the pundits bat around the whys behind the response. They certainly seemed to be more opiniated than am I. From my perspective we have entered into uncharted territory. As our leadership learned to listen to the experts there were some trial runs in how we ought to respond. Finally it appears those runs have evolved into a solid plan as we respond to a once in a generation pandemic. Trial runs.

When I think of the scriptures, I can only imagine the pounding heart Peter must of had as he stepped out of the boat to walk on the stormy Sea of Galilee to Jesus. He might have been saying to himself, "I might just try this walking on water thing out since Jesus invited me to join him." But, all of sudden, with that first step, his trial run catapulted him into the reality of a stormy sea that threatened his life. Trial runs.

For me, this blog site is a trail run. I have written blogs before. Some of you have been kind enough to read them. Others have shared some with friends. Some have asked if they might subscribe to the site so anytime I might post they would be notified. Thank you. All the posts before have been by the gracious consent of a church I was serving. Often I had the assistance of a person(s) who had much greater understanding of how this website thing might work. Not so this time. This time these words will be posted on my page: www.pehfactor.com. Like Peter, I am stepping into the sea (of humanity) to offer my two cents worth for those who would like to read it.

The Sea of Humanity. We are in the midst of a turbulent sea. Over the decades of my life, it seems that as a nation we have turned from being "one nation under God," to being a polarized nation where everyone demands others to see the world and its circumstances in a singular way...their way. If there is disagreement, social media is lit up with condemnation and verbal abuse. The end result of such assaults within the realm of freedom of speech is polarization. Much has been written about the decline of civil discourse that reflects our polarized society along with its Siamese twin, judgmentalism. I believe we are less as a people because of these things.

So, what might you read in these posts? My tag line says it succinctly: "seeking balance in a polarized world." I am not a scientist, but, I have been reading on the benefits of having a good pH balance in one's chemistry. From the hot tubs in which we relax to the water which we drink, having a good pH balance is of benefit. Being too much on the acidic side can be harmful. Too much alkalinity needs to be addressed. Balance between the two is the goal and it is this balance I desire to bring to the table of discussion.

And where does that balance come from? As a Christian I have always turned to the pages of scripture and the stories of the Bible to find that balance. Although not always popular in today's pluralistic world, the Bible has provided guidance to prayerful people for over two millennia. It certainly contains God's Word for me.

So, here is my trail run: putting my thoughts out there even as I do my own computer work. I look forward to the challenge. And what is my hope? My hope is that just like Peter in the story mentioned above (Matthew 14:22-33 for those who might want to read it), as long as I keep my eyes on Jesus and not the raging storm, I might just be able to walk on top of some of the challenges of this life and share some thoughts that might make the world a better (and a bit more balanced) place.