GOOD THINKING: TRADITIONS ARE NOT TIMELESS

Hot, hazy, humid days! These are the "dog days" of August, the hottest days of the summer! The ancient Romans had an explanation: It was during the early part of August that the Dog Star, Sirius, appeared in the summer sky; the Romans believed that the heat of the Dog Star, added to the heat of the sun, made for the hottest days of the year. We no longer believe that; but we continue to talk about the "dog days" of August. Traditions die hard!

In every political, social and religious organization, the younger generation asks: "Why are we doing things this way?" The older generation predictably replies: "Because we've always done it this way, that's why!" Traditions die hard!

Sometime ago, someone began to do things a certain way, perhaps with good reason. As times and people changed, the traditions remained unchanged! We still talk about the "dog days of August" and have no idea why. Traditions die hard!

Traditions, however, are not timeless. There comes a time when every tradition outlives its original intent and is no longer useful or usable. The old ways are not sacred. Just because we've done it this way for as long as we can remember, doesn't mean that this is the best way of doing things now! We must always look at our traditions, and be prepared to change them to meet our present situations. The "dog days of August" might be a good time to re-evaluate the "old ways." Traditions can be changed!

"Every dog has its day." So said Erasmus in 1545. What was true then is true now. Each one of us, sooner or later, will enjoy a time of good fortune and will have days of happiness and satisfaction. Good days will not go on forever; neither will the bad days! Life moves to a rhythm: day-night-day; summer-fall-winter-spring; dark and stormy days give way to days of sunshine and rainbows. There will be times when we cannot see any way out of our predicament; and there will be days when doors open to solutions and new possibilities for life.

The heat and humidity of these "dog days of August" will soon be history. September lies ahead with the promise of cooler, calmer days. Every dog does have its day; and every person will experience both bad days and good days. So, on the hottest days of the year, relax and rejoice in whatever life brings. For every experience is a learning moment that can lead to the building of a strong character and the deepening of one's faith!