Guten morgen. Buenos dias. It was many decades ago that I studied Spanish and later German for a few years. Some words and basic dialogues come back to me. But I am far from fluent!

This week I’ve heard over and over again that people are worried. There is unchecked power running rampant, abducting innocent people from their homes and jobs. Leaving children abandoned, and communities broken. The facade of safety has fallen for many Americans.

Change and transition are always happening. Especially when you are a teenager. You are not really a child anymore. But not quite an adult. The teen years can be challenging for kids, parents, siblings, teachers, and yes, even for pastors teaching confirmation!

What is the world coming to? It’s easy to be discouraged when listening to the news. When thinking about the political, social, technological, and climate realities of these days.