It was suppose to be one of those easy fixes.  The latch on the console in the car broke and when the super glue did not hold, my husband said he would have to buy a new latch.  What we soon learned, however, is that the part was unavailable.  According to the car manufacture our only option was to replace it at a cost of $800.  The salvage yard had one available but we would have to purchase the entire console for only $100.  Both options seemed somewhat extravagant when all we needed was a latch!

    Needless to say, the entire experience was extremely frustrating.  It also reminded me about the throwaway society we have become.  If the television breaks, throw it away.  It is cheaper to buy a new one.  If the computer is more than five years old, throw it away.  It is cheaper and more reliable than simply updating what one has.  If a zipper breaks, an arm sleeve rips, or a buttonhole unravels, throw the garment away.  It will take more time and money than what it is worth to fix it.

   What is really frightening, however, is that many of our relationships are now highly disposable, too.  How often does someone simply walk away from another person because the relationship is no longer meeting a need or the other party has too many problems?  How many divorces have occurred because one spouse decides he or she doesn’t want to be accountable to the other person anymore? 

   When reading the Scriptures, however, we discover a very different way of living and relating.  Jesus promises to be with us always even in those moments when our lives are chaotic and our spirits are broken.  When asked what the greatest commandment is, our Lord responded it is to love God and our neighbors.  Even after his disciples deserted him on the night he was betrayed – even when they totally misunderstood what he was doing or when they refused to hear what he was saying – Jesus continued to care for them. 

   And he is willing to do the same thing for us.  He has promised to be with us always.  That means he will be there in the good times and the bad; when our faith is a stunning success or our disbelief becomes almost crippling.  He will be there when we are loveable and unlovable, responsible or irresponsible, truthful or untruthful.