“May you live in interesting times.”
This phrase is often referred to as an ancient Chinese curse, though it is neither ancient nor Chinese. The apocryphal saying has come to carry a sense of ironic weight, a blend of curse and reflection, as if to suggest that times of peace, prosperity or simplicity might somehow be lesser choices. It suggests that we are living in moments that are, in some way, less than ideal—but still deeply consequential.
Today, I did what many do on the third Monday of January: I walked (or perhaps marched) in recognition of the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I’ll admit, I’m not as regular participant as I would like, but the moments when I have chosen to participate are often tied to pivotal moments in my life—some deeply personal, others more universally significant—such as in 2009, 2017, and now, today.
Interesting times, indeed.
It was a privilege—and, at my age, an accomplishment—to walk the 4.3 miles on a brisk and bright morning in Sacramento. Ironically, the route took us through tree-lined streets in one of the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods. But I’ll save that reflection for another time.
I had the opportunity to walk alongside the Rabbi of a prominent local congregation. As we walked, we spoke about the interesting times we find ourselves in. There was no hand-wringing, no despair, just a clear-eyed awareness of where we are and where things might be headed. We also discussed areas of shared interest and potential opportunities for transformation. Our conversation left me feeling hopeful about what’s possible, despite the complexities of the moment.
For the rest of the walk, I observed the vast crowd, wondering what brought each person there. As I walked, I listened to the song “Keep Your Eyes On The Prize (Hold On).” Though only I could hear it through my earbuds, I found myself wishing I could share that music with everyone around me—a sort of collective, unspoken encouragement. I imagined, like the Little Drummer Boy, how great it would be if others could hear what I was hearing, too.
It was Plato, in The Republic, who wrote, “Our need will be the real creator.” Or, as the saying goes, “necessity is the mother of invention.” It begs the question: What is it that we need—not necessarily what we want, but what we truly need? Do we know it? Perhaps more importantly, do we have the clarity to recognize it when we see it? One thing seems clear: when a need is well-defined, it can lead to a good outcome—emphasis on can.
Indeed, we live in interesting times. But in these times, there is also the possibility for profound transformation. Let’s keep our collective eyes on the prize.
Categories: Acts17seventeen Christianity Community Follower Of Jesus Washington
Pastor Mark
Mark, the eighth of nine children born to Reuben and Henrietta Meeks—dedicated church planters with nearly 30 congregations established across California’s Central Valley—is a preacher's kid who grew up immersed in faith and service. With over forty years of experience teaching, discipling, and ministering to communities, including the hospitalized and incarcerated, Mark responded to God's call to pastoral ministry. He holds degrees in civil engineering and public administration, as well as a Master’s in Theology from Fuller Seminary, equipping him to serve with both practical insight and spiritual depth.
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