Once again we visit with each other to talk and discuss what is happening to us and the world around us. There are many topics that this old man can talk and write about, but we can only do it one at a time. So this is my thought for this week, and I want to make it clear that this is my opinion and not to infer that you or the Tribune would think the same way. Thank goodness that The Kokomo Tribune gives me the opportunity to write my column each week, and allows me to say it my way.

Well, as I think back into the year 2000, I remember all the things that many predicted would happen, because of all the possible computer problems, that might happen as a result of how  the date was displayed. I remember all the people who dreaded the turning of the new century, because they were afraid to be without power and food. All of this is well and good, because we should be prepared to do without all those convenient goodies that we enjoy having around. But it was just that. We were afraid because someone told us that we should be afraid. What upsets me is that after it was all over and all was good in the land, we went back to the good old life , without thinking what we should of learned from it.

What if it did happen, and we were not prepared to do without some food, heat, and television for several days. Would we of had riots, or breakins at the stores to satisfy our need for a more convenient and comfortable situation? Would we of taken what was not ours , and so let others do without? I have given this a lot of thought and I really think that deep down, most of the people in our area, would of been out there taking charge and keeping order. We still have a lot of the elders around who did without for many years , and who would be the first to step forward to lead the rest of us in keeping calm and safe.

Many times in my life, I have wanted to be able to just ask my elders what would be the best way to do something, but that is not to be because most of them have left to be with "The Great Father". So in my situation, I have to make a choice about how I would take care of a situation, that could cause my family some harm. That is what each and everyone of us has to do, if we are going to survive something like the Y2K situation. That particular problem should be over, but will there be other problems coming forth into our lives, that we should be prepared for. Preparation is the beginning of the winning over what could happen to us. Knowing that anything could come up, that could do us harm, causes us to be prepared for it. That is what we did before the beginning of this century, and just because it did not happen, we should not let up on being ready for the worst.

And so as we enter into the new year, we get ready to meet all challenges, with preparation, maybe not in the outside of our bodies but within our bodies and minds. Save a little money each week, store a little more food each week, stock up on some warm blankets, keep some water stored, and most of all, know that if we do suffer some problems, that we are not alone. We must be prepared to be willing to help others , when they need it whether they ask for it or not. We need to make piece with our enemies, yet still be aware that they can turn on us at any time. We need to forgive those who have done us harm, yet make them aware that we won't sit still if they do us harm again. We can never let our eyes close in danger, because we need to be able to see where to go in order to be safe.

Some will think that I am predicting another scare in this new year, but that would be far from the truth. All I am saying is that we are only human, and the fear of being hurt is in our minds, and so we should be ready to do what is needed to keep that from happening. If this was back in the old days, most would already be prepared to do without, because most things needed to survive, was in the form of the profits reaped from thier everyday chores they did each day.

I live each day of my life, not in fear, but with the knowledge that this day could be my last one here on this earth. I am not only prepared  to survive another day, but also prepared to die. I know that when that day comes, and my time here is over, that I will go home to be with "The Great Father". But until then, I thank Him each night for that day, and when I wake up each morning, I thank Him for one more day. Several years ago, I wouldn't of told anyone this because it was and still is a personal relationship between Him and me. But after He gave me a second chance at life and He gave me this gift of writing, I know that He still has something for me to do before He calls me Home. I let those who want to know that He is with me each and every day. And I take each day one at a time.

As time goes by, I see more of my friends and my family leaving to go home to The Great Father, and I miss them very much. But also I see more being sent by The Great Father to be raised and nurtured by thier parents, and I know that all is well in the land. I really feel deep in my heart that no matter what problems come up, we will survive it and things will be better. No matter how bad things can appear to be, they can be overcome. So take a little advice from this tired old man, and be happy. Sing a song of glory, help another in need, and be prepared to meet the Great Father when that time comes.

I hope that as you read my column, you do get something from it. And I hope that The Kokomo Tribune will continue to let me write for them. The year 2000 was a great year for me as a writer, because of The Kokomo Tribune and all of you out there that lets me know that you enjoy what I have to say. If  I can help anyone though this column, then the time spent on it is worthwhile. As always, I speak and write straight from the heart. So as you walk the road of life, try to walk straight, look out for those small holes that you could fall into, and don't take a shortcut just because it is faster. What is at the end of the road will still be there when you arrive.

If you want to read some of my columns from earlier in the year, you can catch them at my website at http://www.geocities.com/kokomoman/  .

If you want to e-mail me, you can do that at both of my address at [email protected] or at [email protected]   .

Thanks for letting me visit with you this week. Ray "Uncle Ray" Day