2017 soon takes its final bow. The old is replaced with the new. A dynamic that flows day in and day out, and that repeats and repeats itself in circles across the generations. Lessons that are turned into time, or is it time that is turned into lessons? Time is nothing other than a lesson. It is the instrument that teaches us, that permits us to grow or not. For the individual, but also for the collective individual, the community, the nation.

And so our crises are always the answer to our prayer for growth. Every time our comfort-zone is upset, it is to draw in the change we have been searching for and to make it possible. Outside of this dynamic, there is little motivation to change. We do not like the truth. We have learned to walk roundabout ways around it. We water it down with all kinds of spiritual cosmetic tricks, anything to hide the inability of our own "I" to be loving, humble and sincere, and to keep it in control of our lives. Jean Marie Combrink expressed the prayer of her heart in a poem. Let us make it the prayer of our own heart, and of our town.

Nights of longing, for times long gone by Unquenchable the desire for Your chest against my head My knees chafed through, the pleading of prayers I stare into the dust of a heart that is brimming over Time teaches me patience, hands raised for a reason.

Lord, where has Your voice gone, I look around I search for answers, just a small piece of hope Once again You press me down into the ground Perhaps I am missing something, I cry out for answers to be bought I lie in the dust, my ear searches for Your mouth.

This is where I flee when my heart is about to leap out When a future without hope stands and looks at me The King's domain laid bare, among the dust again a beginning How can You reach out to a soiled bride like me Tears and dust leave streaks that bring healing.

Over and over I do as Lot's wife did I wish for times long gone by Choices determine the whole of a person's life, right up to now To let go does somehow bring peace What use is it to cling to it with everything you have.

Groete Amanda Kreitzer