This morning on CNN I heard that Saddam Hussein was executed. It is still uncertain weather or not this will lead to an increase in violence in the area. December has been the bloodiest month for American Soldiers since the war began; the death toll is, presently, at 108. The commentator who was Australian and had most recently been in Baghdad in September discussed how the Iraqi people view their lives now at the close of 2006. He said that fathers tell their families when they leave for the day to try to find work that they will see them in the evening God willing. The average number of bodies found on a daily basis is 40. These bodies, these people, have been tortured with electric drill bits before being shot in the head and dumped by the side of the road. This doesn’t count the car bombings, which are a common occurrence there in the destabilized region that is Iraq.
The fact is that no one is safe. Security is an illusion. No matter where one lives Baghdad or New Jersey. The Lord gives and He takes away. Uncertainty is certain. The past is gone, the future is completely up in the air and the only thing we have is right now. No matter where we are or what our role may be – we must make right now count. We play our roles until our parts are recast. The day is young. The New Year has yet to begin. Brimming with possibility both horrific and wondrous. But I suppose that is how it has always been and always will be. Life moves on weather we want it to or wish it to.
Happy New Year; may it be a wondrous one. Do your part and make it so.
"Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise."
