Reality Reflected in Magazine Titles

The long title is: "A Lesson from Magazine Titles - or The Surprising Lesson about God's Purpose for Us I Got from Watching the Peter, Paul, and Mary Concert."

Noel Paul Stookey* told a story 25 years ago that is even more true today. He said:
 There used to be a magazine called "Life." That's pretty good, it includes everything, doesn't it?  Then, a magazine called "People" come out. Well, people are a part of life, that's true, but just a part of it.  Then, the magazine "Us" came out. Not we, not them, just us.  I thought that was pretty bad, but then a new magazine came out. "Self." What is this saying about us? Self? Soon, I'll open up the mailbox and will see the magazine "ME" - you open it up and it's 17 pages of Reynold's Wrap.

He brings up an interesting point, which is not unusual. Their music often brought up interesting points, many controversial ones, and some that forced us to confront realities and consider what to do about things.  People, as a whole, are getting more selfish, more egocentric. It is easy to focus only on ourselves, yet that is not how we were designed. We are a social people, and God intended us to treat others as we want to be treated. When we, humanity, lost our way, God sent His Son to get us back on track, paving the way for new tomorrows.

Our lives, whether we are aware of it or not, are like pebbles thrown into the water. As the pebble sends circles out from where it hit the water, our lives touch others.  We may not realize it, but our actions, and non-actions, touch someone else. They in turn touch someone, and it continues until many are affected by the original action. Thank goodness for those that are out there making a difference for others. They are good role models for the rest of us.

*better known as "Paul" of Peter, Paul, and Mary.