Yevet Tenney

Back in the Dark Ages when I was in college, I was talking to someone about raising teenagers.

He said, “Teenagers who commit suicide don’t feel that they are not loved; they simply feel that they are not needed.” I have pondered that statement every time I’ve heard of the untimely and senseless death of a teenager. I wonder if they felt that they were not needed.

A few months ago, we had a tragedy in our family. My nephew choked on a piece of candy and passed away.He was in the growing time of his life. So much of the road lay before him. Why would the Lord call him home before he had really lived?

I have often read the parable of the Ten Virgins and wondered what a modern version of the story might look like. I came up with prevailing attitudes that are cross-generational. Times change but people don’t. We make the same excuses for serving and not serving. I am sure you will be able to guess which of the virgins are wise and which are foolish.

I have often marveled at how the Bible uses symbolism in basic stories to teach lessons about life. The story of Job is one man’s journey through adversity, yet is the inward story of every man’s struggle. The story of Moses in Egypt is an outward story of a prophet, trying to lead his people, but is an inward story of God’s dealings with the wicked and righteous children.

When I was an undergraduate student at Northern Arizona University, my friends and I went to a restaurant and ordered food. After we finished, we realized that we didn’t have money to leave a tip. We were poor and struggling students so we decided to write a note of appreciation instead. It was a simple note of thanks for the food and the service.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him and he will direct thy path.” (Proverbs 3:5) I have always loved this scripture from Proverbs. It is a comfort and a compass all at the same time.