Author: Marian Van Til

Marian’s final column.

I grew up when “homemade” and “homegrown” were still a standard part of life. I’ve long realized what a blessing that was.

Currently I am deeply engaged, at home and in symphony chorus rehearsals, with Mozart’s Mass in C Minor (“The Great”).

We’re near the end of January and I’m still doing my review and reevaluating: the work I want or need to get done (writing/editing and music-related); the many household projects awaiting my time and effort; and, with Ed, continuing to consider whether we might move from our area, and when.

Without strong family and faith, further nourished by a believing church community, how is identity shaped?

Our hymnal contains many chorales by Luther and subsequent generations of Lutheran composers. As time goes by, we sing them all (along with a lot of other hymns), and then start over again.

The wrath of Hurricane Harvey’s pounding the Texas Gulf coast and beyond has not just been a “poignant reminder” but a virtual neon-sign to us (and to all Christians, I hope) to offer not only empathy but tangible help.

My own opinions aside, however, there is increasing evidence that constant cell phone use is not just physically detrimental, but mentally and socially as well.