Reflections: Have to keep moving on

There since 1923, Yankee Stadium has seen its final days as one of the most recognized sports arenas in the nation. Baseball heroes like Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio were among the famous who walked the grounds. "Hallowed grounds," the multitudes said. Tears of farewell rolled down people's cheeks, and longtime memories surfaced. But the era is gone and something new will take its place. We call it progress. People leave the old and outdated for that which is modern. What's fit for today will one day be obsolete. Life keeps moving on.

According to television news, the memorabilia relating to Yankee Stadium will bring the highest prices ever when it's auctioned. It's truly sad, the end of an exciting and satisfying age. But as with everything, the obsolete must step aside so fresh buildings, ideas and people can keep the world moving on. God has that same idea. He takes a life and gives a life. You can't allow yourself to become too comfortable -- that, too, will change.

When people finish their education and strike out to seek their fortune, they see only advancement. The world is their oyster. Sometimes they build a new house. "I shall live here forever," they say. "It's so perfect."

Then in a few years, the house becomes too small, the paint begins to peel and the neighborhood deteriorates. "I believe I need to change residences and search for a nicer neighborhood that suits my needs better," they conclude. Circumstances in life have changed. Maybe children are grown up and on their own and it's time for another adjustment. It's time to move on again.

The cycle of being content and then dissatisfied is part of our human condition. We settle on one thing for a time and then soon replace it. We're still moving on.

"Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee," said St. Augustine.

Existence is like waves in the ocean. Waves rise and fall. Sometimes they're fierce; other times they're calm. Rubbish is washed up on the shore next to beautiful seashells. Old and new, getting rid of what's no longer adequate or useful and replacing it with what's functional or desirable is necessary. We are peaceful, then disgruntled. We have to keep moving on.

Though we realize that all things must eventually end, we can't allow ourselves to stop trying. The cycle keeps rotating. You must continue to be excited about the contemporary, even though you know it is fleeting. You must live like the water. It stays fresh and energetic and takes different turns.

We often don't notice the motion of things -- people, neighborhoods and our views changing. We look at the word love differently when we are a teenager than when we are a child or a mature adult. Circumstances, attitudes and locations move and change so slowly that we don't recognize they've been moving all the time.

Constant movement can be good as well as bad. We are comforted by knowing that though joy doesn't last, neither shall suffering. So become wise and expect and welcome the fact that everything keeps moving.

We can meet the challenge and dance with the rhythm because God is unwavering. God's the one permanent aspect in our lives. He promises, "I will be with you always, even until the end of time." (Matthew 28:20)

Ellen Shuck holds degrees in psychology, religious education and spiritual direction and provides spiritual direction to people at her office.