Opinion

Our consumer society has done a remarkable thing. It has convinced us that our desires are immutable and undeniable; that we are defined by longings and are powerless to change or resist them. With some desires this is true. I cannot deny my desire for oxygen—it is hardwired into my brain, but my craving for sugar is a physical and psychological desire that can be heightened or diminished. Our culture and the economic powers that propel it, however, want us to believe that every desire is hardwired; that we are mere victims of our appetites.

The Texas Education Agency’s annual report was released last week. It indicates per-student funding in the 2021-2022 school year averaged $14,928 per student, up 42% since 2011. However, state funding has only risen slightly in the past decade, while local funding has increased substantially.

GUEST COLUMNIST Bob and Carol Burchell pulled into their driveway during the snowstorm, and were surprised to see their daughter, Katie, along with her boyfriend, Randy Jones, sitting on the porch swing, wrapped in a blanket. Both were shivering and smiling.

My oldest son called, and he asked, “Dad are you and mom ok?” I said, “yes,” They had been watching the local weather on television and they were forecasting big storms for our area. They were predicting high winds, rain, hail, and possible tornadoes.

We can sometimes fail to distinguish between apathy toward God and apathy toward things associated with God. For example, a person may feel unmotivated to participate in worship or Bible study, and may incorrectly conclude that she no longer has a heart for God. This is like saying a person who no longer enjoys sushi has abandoned all desire for food. We fall into such fallacies because we assume God is only accessible through certain activities—things our traditions have labeled “spiritual.” Very often these activities are rich and transformative, but we must remember that they are merely vehicles for communing with God—they are not God himself. In a certain season, if these “spiritual” practices do not help you connect with the Lord, if you find no joy in them over time, wisdom says to seek him a different way.

GUEST COLUMNIST The city of Toronto is in the news for outlawing sled and toboggan riding on 45 of its hillsides. According to the Toronto Star, the ban has sparked a robust debate about how far government should go to protect people from themselves while they’re having fun.

Astandoff at an Eagle Pass park continues as the Department of Homeland Security has sent a second letter to Gov. Greg Abbott demanding access to the Rio Grande park that is now under state control.