At this time of year I usually go into a frenzy of cleaning out files and closets, and re-visioning for the new program season starting in September.  During a recent file purge, I stumbled across the following modern language version of the Ten Commandments that I thought you would find thought provoking.

Ten Rules of Life That Help It Work

One:  You shall have no other gods before me.  I am very jealous for your affection and love; besides, other gods can’t do anything for you—I am God.  There may be other orders of creatures, but still I am above all.

Two:  No more golden calves.  You look silly bowing down to statues you have made, and besides, you do not need them.  You have me.

Three:  Don’t throw my name around.  A name is a personal thing.  The fact that you know mine is special.  Don’t abuse the privilege.

Four:  Keep the Sabbath, not for my sake, for yours.  Stop working and remember that you are more than what you do.  Remember that you are mortal.

Five:  Honor your father and mother.  Whatever kind of job they did on you, they are your roots into the soil.  Lose them and you lose your place in the story.  It is all connected.

Six:  Don’t murder.  However dubious it may seem to you, all life is precious to me.  If you can’t make it, don’t take it.

Seven:  Don’t mess around with the marriage vows, your own or anyone else’s.  Sticking with one person is the best chance you have for growing up and maturing.

Eight:  Don’t take what doesn’t belong to you.  Life may not be fair, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t be.

Nine:  Don’t give your word on things you know aren’t true.  Your word is as much a part of you as your arm.  Twist it up and it will limp.

Ten:  Don’t fondle other people’s things as if they were your own.  You resent them for having them, and you resent yourself for not having them. Learn to want what you have and pretty soon you will have what you want.

What I want and pray for you is that you will have an enjoyable and safe summer, and that you will be faithful to worship and fellowship while you are in town and while you are on vacation.  And when you do visit another church, please bring back for me a copy of the church bulletin or other literature that you think I would enjoy.

Faithfully,
The Rev. Eileen Weglarz